Seasonal Wild Flowers

Brooklime

Veronica beccabunga

Plantaginaceae

May to September

It is found throughout the country.

See the BSBI distribution map for Brooklime

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