Marsh Speedwell

Marsh speedwell or skullcap speedwell (Veronica scutellata) grows in wetland areas of the northern half of the United States.

Of the close to three dozen Veronica species found growing in the United States, Marsh Speedwell is only one of about a dozen native species.

The small purple flowers, perhaps one-quarter inch in width, bloom during spring and summer. The plant grows about a foot tall and can be recognized by its slender, pointed leaves.

Alpine Speedwell (Veronica wormskjoldii) one of the many native Veronica species growing on West Coast mountains.

Like the Birdseye Speedwell, an introduced member of the genus which is commonly found growing in residential lawns, the Alpine Speedwell also grows as groundcover in mountain areas.

Its diminuitive size makes it easier to spot when found growing in crevices or between rocks. The picture enlarges the flowers by a factor of two.

Water speedwell (Veronica anagallis-aquatica), a very common water plant, grows throughout much of the United States.

The blue stripes on the petals and the blue anthers differentiate it from the marsh speedwell.

© 2009 Patricia A. Michaels