Thyme-leaved Speedwell

(Veronica serpyllifolia)

 

   

 

 

Color Photograph: Copyright Nearctica.com, Inc.

Line Drawing: Britton, N.L., and A. Brown. 1913. An Illustrated Flora of the Northern United States and Canada, Second Edition.

 

Thyme-leaved Speedwell (Veronica serpyllifolia L)

Alien: Native of Europe.

Identification: A low, creeping plant. Flowers light blue to nearly white, with 4 petals and 2 spreading stamens. Lower petal smaller and narrower than the other 3. Petals streaked with dark blue. Flowers with short flower stalks (pedicels). Flowers arising alone from the axils of small, bractlike leaves near the apex of the stem. Stem smooth. Larger, lower leaves smooth, ovate, with short petioles. Outer margin smooth or toothed. Lower leaves in opposite pairs, upper, smaller leaves usually alternate. Plant 2 to 10 inches in height.

Distribution: Throughout North America.

Habitat: Thyme-leaved Speedwell is a species of disturbed habitats such as lawns, fields, empty lots, and roadsides.

Flowering period: April to August.

Similar Species: There are several species of low, spreading speedwells. Thyme-leaved Speedwell is easily identified by the lack of hair on either the stem or the leaves.

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