How to identify Speedwells (Veronica)

Photo By Liam O'Brien , used under CC-BY-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original

How to identify Speedwells (Veronica)

Speedwells, also known as Gypsyweeds

Speedwells exhibits a wide variety of growth forms, commonly found ranging from low-spreading to upright, often displaying striking spiky floral arrangements. This plant thrives in conditions that provide consistent moisture yet ensure well-drained soil. Post-flowering, it’s recommended to trim the plant back to its basal rosette, encouraging a potential second bloom. Numerous cultivars and hybrids have been developed offering various traits, and these require asexual propagation methods to preserve their unique characteristics.

Lifespan: Perennial

Leaf Type: Evergreen

Quickly Identify Speedwells

Spiky floral arrangements distinguish speedwells from other plants.

Leaves are lance-shaped, glossy, with finely serrated margins and pinnate venation.

Flowers come in blue, pink, white, and purple hues, with star-like symmetry.

Individual flower spikes can reach up to 6 inches (15 cm) in length.

Thrives in consistently moist, well-drained soil; trim back post-flowering for potential rebloom.

Detailed Traits of Speedwells

Leaf Features

The leaves of speedwells are approximately 2 inches (5 cm) in length and are narrowly lance-shaped. They exhibit a smooth, slightly glossy surface with a medium to deep green color. The leaf margins are finely serrated, and the venation is pinnate, with a prominent central vein running the length of the leaf and smaller veins branching off. The texture is somewhat leathery, giving the leaves a resilient feel. These key features help in the identification of speedwells.

Learn About the Leaf Glossary

Flower Features

The flowers of speedwells are small, typically 0.3 inches (8 mm) in diameter, and densely packed on pointed spikes. They come in a variety of colors, including blue, pink, white, and purple. Each flower has four to five petals arranged symmetrically, creating a delicate, star-like appearance. The blooms are mildly fragrant and generally appear from late spring to early summer, providing a vivid splash of color in gardens. Individual spikes can reach up to 6 inches (15 cm) in length.

Learn About the Flower Glossary

A Botanist in Your Pocket

Scan QR code to download

More Plants You May Like and How to Identify Them

Cape jasmine

Gardenia jasminoides is an evergreen shrub with unique, glossy evergreen leaves and stunning flowers. The sophisticated, matte white flowers are often used in bouquets. The exceptional beauty of this ornamental plant has made it a popular and highly appreciated plant amongst gardeners and horticulturalists.

Golden pothos

The golden pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is a popular houseplant that is commonly seen in Australia, Asia, and the West Indies. It goes by many nicknames, including "devil's ivy", because it is so hard to kill and can even grow in low light conditions. Golden pothos has poisonous sap, so it should be kept away from pets and children.

Tomato

Solanum lycopersicum is an annual or perennial herbaceous vine native to Central and South America that produces a large, juicy, edible fruit known as tomato. Today there are over 10000 cultivated varieties. Although tomato is the world’s most popular vegetable, botanically it is a fruit.

Pepper

The pepper are commonly used for cooking in places such as the Southern U.S. and Central America. Most are moderately spicy, though because there are so many variants, the spice level can vary dramatically. Cayenne powder is also a popular seasoning product made from pepper plants.

Swiss cheese plant

The swiss cheese plant (Monstera deliciosa) produces bright, glossy leaves and makes a popular houseplant. It is originally native to tropical forest regions in Central America. The nickname swiss cheese plant refers to the small holes that develop in the plant's leaves. The long fruits resemble corncobs and smell sweet and fragrant when ripe.

Bigleaf hydrangea

The bigleaf hydrangea is a deciduous shrub native to Japan, and is known for its lush, oval, colorful inflorescence. The two types of Hydrangea macrophylla are mopheads - with large, ball-shaped, sterile flower clusters, and lace capes - with small round fertile flowers in the center, and sterile flowers on the outer side of each inflorescence. Depending on soil pH, blooms can change color from pink to blue.