Identification
This perennial has erect stems up to 6 inches tall. The lance-shaped leaves are opposite on the stem. The tiny blue and white flowers, less than 1/4 inch across, are arranged in clusters (racemes) of up to 25 flowers (B). Of the four flower petals, one is larger, and another is smaller than the other two.
Grows in or at the edge of water, particularly running water, flowering from June through August. It is rare on the floodplain at Fontenelle Forest.
This species of Veronica grows in an entirely different habitat in or next to water than our two other Veronica species. Its lance-shaped leaves also differentiate this plant from Field Speedwell (Veronica polita), which has scalloped leaves. Corn Speedwell (Veronica arvensis), so far found only in Neale Woods, has hairy, lance-shaped bracts surrounding each flower.
The content of NatureSearch is provided by dedicated volunteer Naturalists of Fontenelle Forest who strive to provide the most accurate information available. Contributors of the images retain their copyrights. The point of contact for this page is: Roland Barth.