Modern taxonomy often places it in the genus Lysimachia (as Lysimachia minima ), though older texts almost universally refer to it as Centunculus minimus . Conservation Status
Antique Hand Colored Print (1867) – "Bastard Pimpernel - eBay bastard pimpernel
Because it is so small and easily overlooked, the true population levels of Bastard Pimpernel can be difficult to track. However, it is considered a in several areas because it relies on "early successional" habitats—places that are periodically disturbed. Without such disturbance, larger plants eventually shade it out. Modern taxonomy often places it in the genus
Its flowers are almost microscopic, appearing in the leaf axils. They are usually white or pale pink, possessing a four-parted corolla that is shorter than the surrounding green calyx. Without such disturbance, larger plants eventually shade it
It thrives in moist, sandy, or gravelly soils that are low in nutrients.
The plant is notably one of the smallest flowering plants in temperate regions, often going unnoticed by casual observers.
You can often find it in damp hollows, track ruts, the edges of ponds, and seasonally flooded areas where competition from larger, more aggressive plants is minimal.