Myrsinaceae: Myrsine Family

Scarlet Pimpernel – Lysimachia arvensis

Blooms:

Mar–July

Plant Height:

5–40 cm

Flower Size:

Medium

Origin:

Europe

Habitat:

Waste places, grassy areas

Notes:

A very common small plant, with flowers that are usually closer to orange than scarlet.  It can also be found in pink, blue and red forms.  A close look at the flower is rewarded by showing its range of colors, including reddish-purple bases to the petals and bright yellow anthers.

Star Flower – Lysimachia latifolia

Blooms:

Apr–July

Plant Height:

5–15 cm

Flower Size:

Small

Origin:

Native

Habitat:

Shaded banks and deep woodland

Notes:

This low-growing plant has small, star-shaped pink or white flowers, with 5–7 petals (occasionally 8) and long, slender stamens.  The large ovate leaves are in a whorl, with 2 or 3 flowers arising from the center of the leaves on separate, thread-like pedicels.  Photo #2 by CJH.

Star Flower