Pimpernel is also known as scarlet pimpernel.
In early folklore, people thought that they could tell what time of day it was by looking at the pimpernel. The flowers of the plant opened early in the morning and closed in the afternoon. This system did not really work if it was raining because the flowers closed then also.
The plant was sometimes called "laughter bringer" since it was thought that it had the power to cure depression. It was also regarded as a diuretic.
It had to be used with great caution as it could be toxic.
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