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Corn speedwell
Also known as: Common speedwell, Wall speedwell
Corn speedwell (Veronica arvensis) is a flowering plant and common weed native to Europe, Africa, and Asia. Corn speedwell grows as a weed in gardens, trash dumps, and pastures and gives out small blue flowers in the spring.
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Weeds
Weed or not
Annual, Perennial
Lifespan
Herb
Plant Type
Spring, Early summer, Mid summer
Bloom Time
Mid spring, Late spring, Early summer
Harvest Time
9 cm to 40 cm
Plant Height
15 cm to 30 cm
Spread
Green, Yellow, Gold
Leaf Color
2 mm to 3 mm
Flower Size
Yellow
Fruit Color
Blue, Purple
Flower Color
Green, Brown
Stem Color
Rapid
Growth Rate

Images of Corn speedwell

Distribution of Corn speedwell

Distribution Map
Corn speedwell is a plant that has its origins in various regions across Europe, Western and Central Asia, and North Africa. This species has spread to both North and South America, as well as pockets of Eastern Asia, Southern Africa, New Zealand, and some parts of the Caribbean. It is particularly adaptable, flourishing in a range of environments far beyond its native range.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Introduced
No species reported
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Habitat
Cultivated ground, grassland, heaths
Hemisphere Trend Curve

Culture

Garden Use
Corn speedwell may be appreciated by owners of wildflower gardens of its native range since it has small, pretty blue flowers and is a continuous bloomer. However, in many other circumstances, corn speedwell is considered a stubborn garden weed, largely successful due to tiny resilient seeds that can be easily spread by various means and remain viable for decades.
Symbolism
Protection, Luck, Divination.
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Weed Control

Corn speedwell originates from Europe and has earned its moniker as a weed due to its invasive capabilities. With the ability to rapidly multiply and spread, it has become an irritant for gardeners worldwide. Corn speedwell's resiliency allows it to flourish in various environments, making it a potent threat to gardens. A single plant can produce numerous seeds which ensure its proliferation in a short amount of time. Its rapid and expansive growth can be harmful, outcompeting native plants and causing significant damage to garden biodiversity. The primary form of its spread is through its seeds, which are typically dispersed by the wind or by adhering to animals, footwear, or garden tools. By so doing, corn speedwell secures its presence in a new habitat, and continues its invasive spread. While not directly harmful to humans, its invasive nature can compromise the quality of the soils and habitats it invades, making it particularly troublesome to gardeners and horticulturists.
How to Control It
The best season to remove corn speedwell is late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing but before it has a chance to start flowering and setting seed. Here are a few organic or creative methods to eradicate corn speedwell:
  1. Hand Pulling: Pull corn speedwell out by hand. This method should be done thoroughly, making sure to remove the entirety of the plant, including the roots, to prevent it from growing back.
  2. Smothering: Cover the area with a dense material like cardboard or a heavy layer of mulch. The layer should be thick enough to deprive the plants underneath of sunlight, which will eventually kill off corn speedwell.
  3. Hot Water Treatment: Pour boiling water on the corn speedwell plant. This is an eco-friendly method that works by heat damage. But remember to be very careful when handling boiling water.
  4. Vinegar Spray: Mix a solution of vinegar and a small amount of dish soap. Spray it directly onto the corn speedwell plant on a dry, sunny day for the best results. The vinegar will dry out the plant, and the soap will help the solution stick to the plant.
  5. Solarization: Cover the area with a clear plastic tarp during the hottest months of the year. This will increase the temperature of the soil to levels that corn speedwell can't tolerate and will ultimately kill the plant.
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Quickly Identify Corn speedwell

1
Diminutive size and preference for full sunlight distinguish corn speedwell
2
Petite blue flowers with 4 hairy green sepals bloom mid-spring to mid-summer
3
Heart-shaped capsule with tiny yellow seeds, 1/8 inch (3 mm) long
4
Lower leaves hairy, oval-orbicular, upper leaves linear-oblong to lanceolate
5
Versatile stems, green, 0.08 to 0.16 inches (2 to 4 mm) thick, slight hairiness
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RELATED: How to identify Corn speedwell

Care Guide for Corn speedwell

Every week
Water
Full sun
Sunlight
20 - 35 ℃
Ideal Temperature
Water: Originating from temperate regions, corn speedwell prefers moderate moisture and consistent soil hydration, requiring weekly watering. It flourishes outdoors, benefiting from natural rainfall patterns that support its growth cycle, highlighting the significance of a well-managed watering regimen.
Fertilize: Corn speedwell requires minimal fertilization. During growth, use water-soluble fertilizer (20-10-20), and switch to (10-30-20) before flowering, 10-15 days prior. Reduce fertilization in early fall and avoid during recovery as root absorption is weak. Excess fertilizer can harm roots and impede growth.
Pruning: Remove the withered flowers of corn speedwell promptly to enhance appearance and nutrient efficiency. Prune on sunny, dry mornings at the flower base to regulate blooming, typically occurring 20 days post-pruning. After winter, prune yellowed parts once ground temperature surpasses 0℃ for optimal growth.
Propagation: The ideal propagation method for corn speedwell is sowing in Spring. Successful propagation is indicated by healthy growth and established seedlings. For best results, maintain moist soil and provide adequate sunlight.
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RELATED: How to Grow and Care for Corn speedwell
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