Seasonal Wild Flowers

Wood Speedwell

Veronica montana

Plantaginaceae

April to July

It is found throughout the country except for parts of the East.

For a map see the National Biodiversity Network Gateway

It grows in damp, slightly acid soils under mixed deciduous

woodland and in shady hedge banks and scrubland.

Wood Speedwell in a native, perennial, sprawling, patch-forming,

hairy herb growing up to 40cm.

Flowers are in an erect spike.

They have 4-petals, are up to 1cm across and vary from pale

lilac to blue.

There are 2 pale stamens and a single style and stigma.

Stems are hairy.

Leaves are pale green, opposite, toothed and oval.

They are larger and lighter green than in Germander Speedwell.

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Wood Speedwell, Beaminster, West Dorset

Flower spike

Lilac flowers - stamens

Stamens and style

Oval, toothed, opposite leaves