ID this: ground cover with orange flowers [photo]

[biwa]

[url=https://img2.freeimagehosting.net/image.php?3108d2ac10.jpg][img]https://img2.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/th.3108d2ac10.jpg[/img][/url]

What is this? It has cute orange flowers and spreads itself by seed. I've seen it growing locally, so I think it might be a weed. Am I right to call it a ground cover or does it get tall?

[Jess]

Hi biwa

It is Anagallis arvensis (Scarlet pimpernel) A weed but a very pretty one.
It is also known as the barometer plant because it closes its flowers when bad weather is approaching.

[biwa]

It is also known as the barometer plant because it closes its flowers when bad weather is approaching.

Oh neat. I had wondered why they close their flowers at such strange times of the day. That explains it.

Thanks for IDing this! I amazed you guys can give me the scientific name based on nothing but a picture.

[Jess]

Thanks for IDing this! I amazed you guys can give me the scientific name based on nothing but a picture.

You are very welcome.

IDing becomes easier the more years one has spent weeding!