American speedwell
Family
ScrophulariaceaeScientific Name
Veronica americanaHabit
Rhizomatous perennial
Leaves
Leaves: Generally oval to elliptic in outline, widest at the base and pointed at the tip. Leaves are approximately 3/4 to 2 1/2 inches long, 1/2 to 3/4 inch wide. Leaves are usually shallowly toothed and occur on short petioles. The leaves that occur on the upper flowering stems clasp the stem at their base.
Stems: Grow erect or may grow prostrate along the ground with the flowering tips upright (decumbent growth habit). Stems may reach as much as 2 feet in length as they are capable of rooting at the nodes.
Identifying Characteristics
Aquatic speedwells with attractive light blue flowers that are usually partly in and partly out of the water. American speedwell can be found in swamps or along the banks of streams and ponds. The aquatic growth habit, oval to elliptic leaves with petioles, and small light blue flowers are all characteristics that help in the identification of American speedwell. Water speedwell (Veronica anagallis-aquatica) is very similar in appearance and growth habit, however this species has leaves without petioles (sessile) unlike American speedwell. This weed may also be confused with Creeping Primrose (Ludwigia palustris), however this aquatic weed generally has some portion of the plant under water, often has red-tinged foliage, and does not have blue flowers.
Flower Seed Head
Flowers: Occur in clusters at the ends of the erect flowering stems. Flower clusters range from 2 to 6 inches in total length and contain many small light purple to light blue flowers. Each flower consists of 4 petals and is approximately 4 to 5 mm in total width.
Seed Fruit
A capsule. Fruit is scarcely notched.
Where Found
American speedwell is somewhat rare but can be found in Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Kentucky, and West Virginia.
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
no hairs
Leaf Shape
Varies:
lance,
oval
Leaf Arrangement
opposite
Leaf Margin
Varies:
entire,
serrated
Leaf Structure
simple
Leaf Stalk
Varies:
none,
shorter than leaf
Stem Hairs
no hairs
Stem Cross Section
round or oval
Milky Sap
not present
Root Structure
rhizomes present
Life Cycle
perennial
Ochrea
not present
Plant Type
Herb