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Thyme-leaved speedwell
Also known as: Turf speedwell
Thyme-leaved speedwell (Veronica serpyllifolia) is a member of the plantain family and is a perennial. It can be found in virtually every part of the globe. You'll find it growing in wet environments, whether in the woods, on a hillside, or in grassy pastures. If you want to keep it out of your yard, regularly mow and water your grass. This will create dense growth, which will limit thyme-leaved speedwell's ability to thrive.
Scientific classification
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Weeds
Weed or not
20 cm
Plant Height
15 cm to 30 cm
Spread
Green
Leaf Color
5 cm to 10 cm
Flower Size
White, Purple, Blue, Lavender
Flower Color
Green, Purple, Lavender
Stem Color
Winter dormancy
Dormancy
Semi-evergreen
Leaf type
0 - 32 ℃
Ideal Temperature
Spring, Summer
Growth Season

Images of Thyme-leaved speedwell

Distribution of Thyme-leaved speedwell

Distribution Map
Thyme-leaved speedwell is a plant with a broad native range that spans across Northern and Eastern Europe, the Mediterranean, parts of East and Southeast Asia, and some regions of South and Central America. It has been introduced to various other regions including parts of South America, North America, Australasia, and Southern Africa. This plant has successfully adapted to diverse climates beyond its native habitat, indicating a robust and versatile nature in various environments.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Introduced
No species reported
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Habitat
River banks, wet places, moist meadows, shady forests
Hemisphere Trend Curve

Culture

Garden Use
Often considered a weed, thyme-leaved speedwell is a small yet handsome wildflower. The plant grows in a trailing, mat-forming habit, making it suitable to include in a native, wild-type groundcover. Thyme-leaved speedwell is also tolerant of light foot traffic, so it can be used in alternative lawn mixes. However, keep in mind that this tough plant has invasive tendencies and can be a pest in turf lawns.
Symbolism
Loyalty and fidelity
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Weed Control

Thyme-leaved speedwell originates from Europe and Asia. This plant is considered a weed due to its ability to rapidly reproduce and spread, causing havoc in gardens. It generates vast amounts of seeds that can germinate under a wide range of conditions, making it particularly resilient and adaptable, especially in disturbed areas like gardens. Also, thyme-leaved speedwell's root system can spread during the growing season, forming dense mats that crowd out desired plants and disrupt biodiversity. Additionally, it's resistant to many common weed killers, making it difficult to control. The harmfulness of thyme-leaved speedwell primarily lies in its competitiveness, with its fast growth rate and successful domination of resources potentially compromising the growth of desirable plants, and even altering the garden ecosystem. Thyme-leaved speedwell's primary means of spread is through seed dispersal. These seeds can be spread by wind, water, wildlife, and even by human activity, allowing it to colonize new areas swiftly. The control of thyme-leaved speedwell can be particularly challenging due to its prolific seed production and the persistence of these seeds in the soil.
How to Control It
The best season to control thyme-leaved speedwell is in early spring, preferably before it begins to flower. Here are some ways to control this plant:
  1. Manual Removal: Simply pull out the plants from the ground. Make sure to remove all roots to prevent regrowth.
  2. Mulching: Lay organic mulch around desired plants to suppress thyme-leaved speedwell growth. The mulch blocks sunlight, hindering the weed's ability to photosynthesize.
  3. Solarization: In the hot summer months, cover thyme-leaved speedwell with a clear plastic tarp. The sun's rays will heat the ground beneath and kill the plant.
  4. Planting Competitive Species: Plant fast-growing and competitive plants to overshadow and suppress the growth of thyme-leaved speedwell.
  5. Vinegar Spray: Apply a vinegar solution directly to thyme-leaved speedwell to kill it. Note, vinegar can harm other plants as well, so target the application specifically on the weed.
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Quickly Identify Thyme-leaved speedwell

1
Glossy, evergreen foliage with ovate to oblong leaves.
2
Small, delicate flowers with four pale blue to violet petals.
3
Low mat growth habit, reaching 2–4 inches (5–10 cm) tall.
4
Fine hairs and soft texture resembling thyme on leaves.
5
Prefer full to partial sunlight and well-drained soils.
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Care Guide for Thyme-leaved speedwell

Every week
Water
Full sun
Sunlight
0 - 32 ℃
Ideal Temperature
Water: Thyme-leaved speedwell thrives in cool temperate zones with consistent moisture and well-drained conditions. Preferring moderate humidity, it requires weekly watering for optimal health. Outdoors, thyme-leaved speedwell benefits from natural rainfall, reducing its need for supplemental watering during the rainy season.
Fertilize: Thyme-leaved speedwell requires minimal fertilization, with a water-soluble compound fertilizer ratio of 20-10-20 beneficial during growth and 10-30-20 before flowering. Cut back fertilization in early fall and avoid during recovery to prevent root system injury. Excess fertilizer may hinder growth.
Pruning: Remove withered flowers from thyme-leaved speedwell to enhance aesthetics and conserve nutrients. Prune in the morning on dry days, cutting the flowering branch at its base. Regular pruning can regulate blooming, with a recovery period of about 20 days, and prune yellowed parts in early spring after ground temperatures rise above 0℃ (32℉).
Propagation: The best time to propagate thyme-leaved speedwell is during Spring and Summer using stem cuttings. It's moderately easy, with new leaf growth indicating success. Keep cuttings moist and place them in indirect sunlight for optimal results.
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