Identification
This inconspicuous square-stemmed annual grows from 4-8 inches tall (C). Oval, opposite leaves are up to 1 1/2 inches long and 3/4 inch wide with smooth or bluntly toothed margins. Leaf stalks are very short or absent (D). Single small, tubular flowers only 1/4 to 1/2 inch long are on short stalks arising from the leaf axils, with only one flower per leaf axil (D). Flowers have 5 blue, lavender or white petals and 5 narrow, green sepals (A,B). The top 2 petals are fused forming a small upper lip. The more prominent lower lip consists of 3 spreading, rounded petals fused only at the base (A). Fruits are oval to spindle-shaped capsules, each containing several seeds (E).
Wet, muddy or sandy sites, particularly along borders of ponds and streams. This plant is rare on the Krimlofski Tract at Neale Woods where it was growing on the muddy surface of the trail adjacent to Rock Creek. It has not been seen at Fontenelle Forest but would not be unexpected in similar floodplain habitat. Flowering occurs from June to October.
False Pimpernel, in the past has been variously placed in the Plantain (Plantaginaceae) or Figwort (Scrophulariaceae) Families. It has recently found a new taxonomic “home” in the False Pimpernel Family (Linderniaceae).
Other common names include Yellow-seed False Pimpernel and Moist Bank Pimpernel.
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