pimpernel; a genus of the monogynia order, belonging to the pentandria class of plants. Of this there are four

Species. 1. The arvensis, or common pimpernel, with a red flower. 2. The fennica, with a blue flower. 3. The monelli, or narrow-leaved pimpernel. 4. The latifolia, or Spanish pimpernel.—The first sort is very common in corn-fields, and other cultivated places in Britain. The second is sometimes found wild in the fields, but is not so common as the first. The third is a beautiful small perennial plant, and produces numbers of fine blue flowers. The fourth is a native of Spain, and likewise produces blue flowers. All the species are eaten by cows and goats, but refused by sheep; small birds are greatly delighted with the seeds.

These plants are very easily propagated by seeds; and if suffered to remain till their seeds scatter, they become troublesome weeds.—Great medicinal virtues were formerly expected from the first two species; but they are now justly disregarded, though they still retain a place in the materia medica.