Veronica spuria L.

Species Identity and General Morphology

Veronica spuria L. is a tall perennial speedwell that reaches 30 to 100 cm in height, and produces long floral spikes bearing blue to purple flowers.

Morphological Comparison to Garden Speedwell (Branching)

It is quite similar to the common familiar garden speedwell, but differs in that its uppermost floral display is much more branched, with numerous flower-bearing branches growing out from leaf bases at lower levels.

Morphological Comparison to Garden Speedwell (Flower Size)

Compared to garden speedwell, the flowers of Veronica spuria L. are larger, measuring 7–14 mm across versus 4–8 mm across for garden speedwell.

Morphological Comparison to Garden Speedwell (Flower Stalk Length)

Flowers of this species also grow on longer stalks, which measure (2)3–5 mm in length, versus 1–2 mm stalks for garden speedwell.

Seed Capsule Dimensions

After flowering, plants mature into seed capsules that measure 2.5-4 mm by 2–3 mm.

Photographic Resource

Photographic examples of this species can be viewed on iNaturalist.

Native Distribution Range

The native range of Veronica spuria L. includes Altay, Austria, the Baltic States, Belarus, Bulgaria, Central European Russia, Czechoslovakia, East European Russia, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, North Caucasus, North European Russia, Poland, Romania, South European Russia, Tadzhikistan, Ukraine, West Siberia, Xinjiang, and Yugoslavia.

Non-Native and Unconfirmed Distribution

It is doubtfully recorded as present in Germany and Italy, and has been introduced to Vermont.

Xinjiang Habitat and Elevation

In northwestern Xinjiang, this species grows on mountain slopes and in steppes at around 1100 m elevation.

European Habitat

In Europe, it inhabits grassy and rocky locations.