Seasonal Wild Flowers

Brooklime

Veronica beccabunga

Plantaginaceae

May to September

It is found throughout the country.

For a map see the National Biodiversity Network Gateway

Brooklime is found in a wide range of wetlands such as the

edges of streams, ponds, rivers, ditches and in farm ruts and

marshy pasture.

It does not grow in clean, nutrient-free (oligotrophic) waters

prefering open sites with no competing plant growth.

It is a native, mat forming, perennial herb growing up to 60cm.

The flowers are on an upright spike and typically speedwell:

7-8mm across and bright blue with a starry white central eye.

Leaves are fleshy and up to 6cm long, oval and bluntly toothed.

The stems are creeping and root at the base before forming

thick, fleshy, erect spikes.

It spreads by seed and rooted stems.

Brooklime colonising canal edge

Brooklime mat

Close-up of flower spike

Leaves and flower spikes