Field speedwell Veronica persica
Table of Contents
Field speedwell Veronica persica is an adaptable and resilient plant able to thrive in a variety of habitats, these include agricultural land, waste areas, garden borders, turf, grassland and open woodland.
Plant family: Plantaginaceae
Aliases: Birds-eye, Persian speedwell, winter speedwell
Flowering period: January – December
Flower colour: Pale blue – white
Preferred soil type: Most types
Habitat: Field margins, grassland, waste areas
Status: Common
General information
A low-growing, straggly annual wildflower that’s common on bare ground, waste areas and disturbed soil. Often referred to as Persian speedwell this plant often flowers all year round and is very similar to and often confused with, both germander and slender speedwell.
Field speedwell will grow happily on most soil types, but prefers moist soil, it’s well adapted to growing on sites that receive full sun to partial shade. For many gardeners it’s seen as a weed, as it’s aggressive, sprawling growth habit enables this weed to smother out other border flowers and plants.
Identification
Flowers: The solitary flowers are bright blue with deep blue lines and have white centers, they are borne on slender stalks and measure between 8 – 12mm in diameter. Each flower has four petals, with the smaller, lowermost petal often white with feint blue lines.
Leaves: The leaves are pale green, triangular to ovate, short stalked, coarsely toothed and hairy, they measure between 10 – 30mm long.
Value for wildlife
Field speedwell is visited by bees (particularly mining bees), butterflies and birds.
Uses for field speedwell
This plant is rich in vitamins and minerals and is both edible and has medicinal properties.
Field speedwell images
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