Anagallis minima

Dwarf - pimpernel (right) and field - pimpernel (left)

The dwarf - pimpernel or Acker -Klein Ling ( Anagallis minima, Syn: Centunculus minimus ) belongs to the genus pimpernel ( Anagallis ) in the subfamily Myrsinengewächse ( Myrsinoideae ).

Identifying

The dwarf - pimpernel is an inconspicuous, annual herbaceous plant that reaches the heights of growth of only 2-8 cm. The change-constant leaves are ovate - acuminate and 3-6 mm long. Basal leaves are usually absent.

It can bloom all summer (May to September). The most fourfold flowers sit individually in the leaf axils. The 1.5 mm long, white or pink petals are divided to about the middle. They are shorter than the calyx and often drop out early.

Occurrence

The dwarf - pimpernel was scattered throughout Germany before, in the West widespread than in the east. He has become rare everywhere through intensification of agriculture, drainage of fields and increased fertilization. Therefore, it is in most provinces on the Red List of Threatened Species. In Germany, the dwarf - pimpernel is on the Red List category 3 (endangered ).

The dwarf - pimpernel occurs in krumenfeuchten, acidic lands or in damp roadsides. He prefers it low in calcium, low humus, sandy loam and clay soils. It reaches altitudes up to 450 meters.