Seasonal Wild Flowers

Wood Speedwell

Veronica montana

Plantaginaceae

April to July

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

See the BSBI distribution map for Wood Speedwell

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 7mm across and lilac.

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

Leaves are pale green, opposite, toothed and oval, and

hairy on both sides. They have short petioles (stalks).

Stems are hairy all round.

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Wood Speedwell in woodland, West Dorset

Flowers, hairy stem, stalked leaves

Lilac flower, 2 stamens, 1 style

Side view - hairy sepals, anthers and stigma

Oval, toothed, opposite, petioled leaves

Hairy stem, leaves with petioles

Close-up of hairy stem