Seasonal Wild Flowers

Heath Speedwell

Veronica officinalis

Plantaginaceae

Common Speedwell

May to August

It is found throughout the country.

See the BSBI distribution map for Heath Speedwell

It grows on well-drained, slightly acid soils. In some

grasslands it is found mainly on raised ground or anthills.

It grows in open woods, grassland and heathland.

Heath Speedwell is a native, perennial, low-growing, mat-

forming, hairy herb, growing up to 40cm.

The flower is lilac (darker in bud) and up to 9mm.

The leaves are oval, up to 3cm long, toothed and narrow

at the short stalks.

The stem is hairy.

On slightly raised ground,

Powerstock, Dorset

Flower spikes

Flowers - 2 stamens, 1 style

Flower spike, upper leaves

Lower leaves