Wolf in a sheep's clothing - Scarlet pimpernel

There is something irresistible in those tiny little flowers. They will grow on the side of the roads among other grasses and herbs, but it's the intensive orange flowers in an overwhelming amount that catches the eye. And what else could I do besides shooting them?

Anagallis arvensis

Also known as Lysimachia arvensis is a small annual flower that will crawl close to the soil level covering it with tons of small, light green leaves. I saw it in orange like here, and in dark blue. Both gorgeous, though the blue seem to be less common.

In warmer climates blooming starts already in March and can last until October, with the peak in May and June. Seed pods will from around that time too as the flowers are not very long lasting.

But not everything is so nice about it. This little thing is highly toxic which makes it especially unwanted weed around farms where animals roam freely! Grazing animals instinctively avoid it. When consumed in high amount it can be fatal. Not only plant itself, but also seeds can be very dangerous to the birds.

Little devil :)

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As a bonus I have a one shot of Misopates orontium that grew in the same place and blooms in the same time.
It is also called Corn snapdragon, or a weasel's snout due to the fruit shape that will form after the flowering is done. It's of those common weeds wildflowers that can be found all over Europe. The flowers do look like the Snapdragons that are common in gardens.

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_{Shot with Nikon D5500 + Sigma 105mm lens
All photos and text are my own.}