Speedwell

Speedwell is a common name for flowering plants in the genus Veronica, in the family Plantaginaceae. The name applies to numerous species, many of which have blue or violet flowers. Veronica species are native to temperate regions of Europe, Asia, and the Americas, with several naturalized elsewhere.

Most speedwells are herbaceous plants, ranging from low-growing groundcovers to taller perennials. Leaves are typically opposite and simple. Flowers are small and arranged in spikes, racemes, or solitary cymes; colors include blue, purple, pink, and white. A characteristic feature is a two-lipped corolla with a short tube.

Common garden species include Veronica chamaedrys (germander speedwell), Veronica spicata (spiked speedwell), Veronica officinalis (common speedwell), and Veronica persica (bird's-eye speedwell). Some species, notably Veronica persica and Veronica filiformis, are frequent lawn and turf weeds in parts of North America and Europe.

In cultivation, speedwells are used in borders, rock gardens, and wildflower mixes. They prefer moist, well-drained soils and sun to partial shade; many tolerate dry conditions once established. The genus comprises about 500 species; taxonomic revisions since the 19th century have placed numerous species in Plantaginaceae, reflecting shifts from earlier classifications in Scrophulariaceae.