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Heath Speedwell

veronica officinalis

The Heath Speedwell is a pretty little flower that blooms in shades of blue and purple. These flowers are often found in grassy areas and can attract butterflies and bees!

Habitat: Heath Speedwell grows in grasslands, meadows, and open woods across Europe.

Appearance

The Heath Speedwell has fuzzy, oval leaves that grow in pairs along creeping stems. Its tiny, pale blue to lilac flowers, often with darker stripes, appear in slender spikes, creating a delicate ground cover.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderLamialesFamilyPlantaginaceaeGenusVeronica
Heath Speedwell
colorful trait badgegrassland trait badgeherbivorous trait badgediurnal trait badge
Heath Speedwell

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

0/5 · No known danger

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Its creeping stems can quickly carpet a hillside in soft green.

Its old name, "Forget-Me-Not," hints at its charm!

People once brewed its leaves to make a refreshing "European tea."

The tiny flowers are so delicate, they almost look like miniature orchids.

Special abilities

Ability

Ground Hugger

Heath Speedwell can spread its stems along the ground, forming dense mats that help it anchor and resist being trampled.

Ability

Moisture Magnet

Heath Speedwell has tiny hairs on its leaves and stems that help it capture dew and reduce water loss in dry spots.

Ability

Tough Tangle

Heath Speedwell has a strong, fibrous root system that helps it withstand poor, compacted soils and light foot traffic.

Measurements & details

Height
10-30 cm
Spread
20-60 cm
Flower Size
0.5-1 cm
Bloom Season
Summer
Edible
Yes
Toxicity
None
Lifecycle
Perennial
Pollination Method
Insect

Ecological connections

pollinates

Honeybee

Apis mellifera

Visits for nectar and pollen.

pollinates

Buff-tailed Bumblebee

Bombus terrestris

An important pollinator species.

eaten by

Spanish Slug

Arion lusitanicus

Slugs consume its leaves.

eaten by

Roe Deer

Capreolus capreolus

Deer browse on its foliage.

Traits

Also known as

Blue SpeedwellCommon SpeedwellSpeedwell

Collections

Safety

Danger

0/5 · No known danger

No special safety notes yet.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is Heath Speedwell?

10-30 cm

How wide does Heath Speedwell spread?

20-60 cm

How big are the flowers on Heath Speedwell?

0.5-1 cm

When does Heath Speedwell bloom?

Summer

Is Heath Speedwell edible?

Yes

Is Heath Speedwell toxic?

None

What is Heath Speedwell's lifecycle?

Perennial

How is Heath Speedwell pollinated?

Insect

Snap Map

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Where to spot

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