American Speedwell

(Veronica americana)

American Speedwell (Veronica americana)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Veronica americana, commonly known as American Speedwell, is a deciduous perennial herb native to streambanks, moist meadows, and wetlands across much of North America. American Speedwell typically grows to a height of 10–100 cm and has a sprawling or upright habit. Its stems are glabrous and bear terminal or axillary racemes or spikes of soft violet flowers that bloom from late spring to early summer. The leaves are 1.5–8 cm long, 3 to 20 times as long as wide, short-petiolate, glabrous, and range from serrate to almost entire.

This plant is valued for its delicate flowers and its ability to thrive in wet conditions, making it suitable for rain gardens, streamside plantings, and moist borders. It is also used for its medicinal properties, as it has been traditionally used to treat various ailments. American Speedwell prefers full sun to part shade and requires high amounts of water, reflecting its natural riparian habitat. It grows best in soils with medium drainage and is generally low-maintenance, but it can be susceptible to powdery mildew and rust in humid conditions. While not aggressive, it can spread in favorable conditions, so gardeners should monitor its growth to prevent unwanted spread.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb
  • Height: 0.2-0.9 feet
  • Width: 0.2-0.6 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: Blue, Purple
  • Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous, Evergreen

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Aquatic
  • Drainage: Medium

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant, Water Garden

Natural Habitat

native to streambanks, moist meadows, and wetlands across much of North America

Other Names

Common Names: American Brooklime, Brooklime Speedwell, Speedwell, Véronique Américaine, Véronique D’Amérique, Brooklime, Ezono-Kawajisha

Scientific Names: , Veronica americana, Veronica anagallis, Veronica beccabunga subsp. americana, Veronica beccabunga var. americana, Veronica americana var. crassula, Veronica crenatifolia, Veronica intermedia, Veronica americana f. americana, Veronica americana f. rosea,

GBIF Accepted Name: Veronica americana (Raf.) Schwein. ex Benth.