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Germander Speedwell
ExplorePlants
Germander Speedwell
Veronica chamaedrys
Germander Speedwell is a pretty little flower with bright blue petals. It often grows in grassy places and is loved by butterflies and bees. This flower is a cheerful sight in springtime!
Habitat: Grasslands
Appearance
The Germander Speedwell has striking blue flowers with four petals, the lower one noticeably narrower, often marked with dark veins. Its stems and heart-shaped leaves are covered in fine hairs, giving it a soft, slightly fuzzy look. This low-growing plant forms spreading mats.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderLamialesFamilyPlantaginaceaeGenusVeronica
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Ancient people called it 'Eye of the Virgin' because its bright blue flowers close so quickly.
Each flower has a white 'landing strip' for tiny insect pollinators to guide them to the nectar.
Its name 'Speedwell' comes from old English, meaning 'farewell,' perhaps because its petals drop fast!
Some say its closing flowers can predict rain, like a tiny blue weather station!
Special abilities
Ability
Weather Watcher Blooms
Germander Speedwell can quickly close its delicate flowers to protect pollen from rain or even at night.
Ability
Creeping Conqueror
It has underground stems (rhizomes) that help it spread rapidly, creating new plants and forming dense patches.
Ability
Fuzzy Fortress
Its stems and leaves are covered in fine hairs, which can deter some small herbivores or help reduce water loss.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 10-30 cm
- Spread
- 20-50 cm
- Flower Size
- 0.8-1.5 cm
- Bloom Season
- Spring, Summer
- Edible
- Yes
- Toxicity
- None
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Pollination Method
- Insect
Ecological connections
pollinates
Honey bee
Apis mellifera
Gathers nectar and pollen from its flowers.
pollinates
Buff-tailed bumblebee
Bombus terrestris
Visits its flowers for nectar.
eaten by
Heath Fritillary
Mellicta athalia
Its larvae feed on the leaves of the plant.
eaten by
Garden snail
Helix aspersa
Snails and slugs may graze on its foliage.
Traits
Flowering
Flowering plants are any plants that produce flowers as part of their reproductive cycle.
Spring Blooming
Spring blooming plants produce their flowers during the spring season, often signifying the end of winter and the start of new growth.
Fragrant Flower
Fragrant flowers emit a pleasant aroma, often to attract pollinators or for defense.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Edible
Edible plants are those parts of a plant that are considered safe for human consumption.
Grassland
Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals.
Pollinator Magnet
Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
Rapid Growing
Rapid growing plants exhibit accelerated growth rates, quickly increasing in size and biomass within a short period.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Always look but don't pick flowers, so they can keep growing for everyone to enjoy.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is Germander Speedwell?
10-30 cm
How wide does Germander Speedwell spread?
20-50 cm
How big are the flowers on Germander Speedwell?
0.8-1.5 cm
When does Germander Speedwell bloom?
Spring, Summer
Is Germander Speedwell edible?
Yes
Is Germander Speedwell toxic?
None
What is Germander Speedwell's lifecycle?
Perennial
How is Germander Speedwell pollinated?
Insect
Snap Map
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