[Brooklimes and Speedwells: The Genus Veronica East of the Cascade Mts. of Oregon and Washington]
Common Gypsyweed, Common Speedwell, Heath Speedwell, Herbal Speedwell, Paul's Betony
Veronica officinalis
Synonyms: Veronica officinalis var. officinalis, Veronica officinalis var. tournefortii, Veronica tournefortii
The photo above shows the paired upper stem leaves and raceme of common speedwell. Photographed along the Tucannon River Trail, Umatilla N.F.........June 23, 2007.
Characteristics:
The common speedwell is a perennial with fibrous roots which roots at the
nodes wherever anode touches the ground. The stems and leaves are all noticeably
covered with spreading hairs. The leaves are opposite, elliptical to ellliptic-obovate
in shape, with the bases narrowed to a short petiole. The leaves are 1.5-5 cm
long and 0.6-3 cm wide with finely-toothed margins. The larger leaves may have
12-20 teeth per side.
The inflorescence consists of axillary racemes. The corollas are 4-8 mm wide,
light blue in color, occasionally with lavender striping.
Habitat:
Common speedwell may be found in disturbed places such as roadsides, fields,
and waste areas.
Range:
Common speedwell is a weedy species introduced to North America from Europe.
It is common in the eastern United States and fairly common west of the Cascade
Mts.
The photo above shows a close-up of the flower of common speedwell. Note that there are four apparent petals. However there are actually five, the two upper petals have just been joined to make one large petal in this genus. Note also the 2 twisted stamens which extend beyond the corolla. Photographed along the Tucannon River Trail, Umatilla N.F.........June 23, 2007.
The photo above shows a close-up of the ovate leaf of common speedwell. Note the toothed margins and the spreading hairs atop the blade as well as along the margins. Photographed along the Tucannon River Trail, Umatilla N.F.........June 23, 2007.
Common speedwell as seen along the old road up the north side of Kamiak Butte, Kamiak Butte County Park, Whitman County, Washington............April 29, 2013.
Paul Slichter