Seasonal Wild Flowers

Slender Speedwell

Veronica filiformis

Plantaginaceae

March to June

It is found throughout the country

See the BSBI distribution map for Slender Speedwell

It grows by streams, roads and paths, at the junction

of kerbs and paths, on grass banks and in lawns.

It is a neophyte which was introduced into England in

the early 1800s, but has spread, particularly in the

last 50 years.

Slender Speedwell is a perennial, prostrate, creeping,

mat-forming herb, growing up to 50cm.

Flowers are up to 15mm and a patch contains flowers

ranging from blue to lilac/mauve. One petal is usually paler

than the others.

There are 2 stamens. Young anthers are white and older

ones almost black.

The white, filiform styles are easier to see on the fruits,

after the petals have dropped.

Leaves are kidney-shaped.

It doesn't often form seed in England, but it spreads by

fragments caused by digging and mowing.

Patch of Slender Speedwell

Close-up of patch

Blue petals

Lilac petals

Remains of flowers with styles

Young leaves

Kidney-shaped leaves