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Weed Identification

Virginia Tech College of Agriculture and Life Science Virginia Cooperative Extension

ivyleaf speedwell

Family

Scrophulariaceae

Scientific Name

Veronica hederifolia
Weed photograph 1
Weed photograph 2
Weed photograph 3
Weed photograph 4
Weed photograph 5
Weed photograph 6

Habit

A low growing or prostrate succulent plant with loosely ascending branched stems that radiate from the base of the plant. Seeds typically germinate in fall and seedlings branch at the base quickly forming a dense mat. Most flowers are produced in late spring but flowering continues into August.

Leaves

Lower leaves are opposite and upper leaves are alternate. Leaves have hairs and are ivy-shaped usually three to five lobed and palmately veined. Leaves are on relatively long stalks (> 2mm). Upper leaves tend to be smaller but of similar shape as lower leaves.

Identifying Characteristics

Upper leaves are usually smaller than lower leaves. Seed pods are four-chambered unlike the flat two-chambered fruit of other speedwells. Leaves are ivy shaped. Flowers are tiny and on long stalks.

Flower Seed Head

Flowers are tiny (2 to 4 mm wide) and borne on long stalks ( 2 mm) arising from the leaf axils on the upper portion of the erect flowering stem. Flowers are pale blue to white.

Seed Fruit

Fruit is a small (5 to 8 mm long) four-chambered sparsely hairy pod.

Where Found

Plants grow in lawns, ornamental areas, and winter grain crops. You can also find the plants in open waste places or home gardens but they do not thrive in areas where regular spring tillage is practiced. Plants may be found in many conditions but are best adapted to dry or sandy soils and shady lawns.

Growth Habit

Varies: 
upright and nonwoody, 
prostrate and nonwoody

Thorns or Spines

not present

Approximate Flower Diameter

pencil

Dominant Flower Color

Varies: 
white, 
blue, 
purple

Flower Symmetry

bilateral symmetry

Leaf Hairs

has hairs

Leaf Shape

Varies: 
round, 
oval

Leaf Arrangement

Varies: 
alternate, 
opposite

Leaf Margin

Varies: 
entire, 
lobed, 
serrated

Leaf Structure

simple

Leaf Stalk

Varies: 
none, 
shorter than leaf, 
longer than leaf

Stem Hairs

has hairs

Stem Cross Section

round or oval

Milky Sap

not present

Root Structure

fibrous

Life Cycle

winter annual

Ochrea

not present

Plant Type

Herb