Identification
This naturalized annual was introduced from Europe. The hairy stems are prostrate and radiate outward to form rounded mats up to 12 inches across (C). The hairy leaves are round with scalloped margins; they are less than 1/2 inch wide and have short stalks. The tiny blue and white flowers are less than 1/4 inch wide with four petals, the lower one smaller than the other three (B). Flower stalks emerge from the leaf axils.
Grows on sunny waste ground, flowering from March through August. As of 2024, it appears to be quite uncommon at both Fontenelle Forest and Neale Woods. So far it has been reported only in the crushed rock where floodplain trails cross the railroad at FF and on the floodplain in the Krimlofski Tract at NW.
Plants in the genus Veronica are fairly easy to identify by their tiny 4-petaled flowers and heart-shaped fruits. Because of their small size, they are often overlooked and separation of individual species a bit more of a challenge. To date 4 Speedwell (Veronica) species have been reported from FF or NW. Two have tiny blue flowers similar to Wayside Speedwell (V. polita). Brooklime Speedwell (Veronica Americana) has lance-shaped leaves, and is found in wetter aquatic habitats. Corn Speedwell (V. arvensis) has hairy, lance-shaped upper leaves/bracts and flowers with very short or no stalks. Purslane Speedwell (V. peregrina) has white flowers and lance-shaped or oblong leaves with smooth margins or very shallow teeth.
An alternate common name is Gray Field Speedwell.
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.