Veronica agrestis aka Field Speedwell

Veronica agrestis is a small annual in the Plantaginaceae family. Common names include field speedwell and green field speedwell. Its native range covers Macaronesia, Europe and the Mediterranean region. The RHS lists it as native to Britain and Ireland. Kew places it in temperate climates. Its recorded range includes northern Africa and parts of western Asia. The name Veronica pulchella appears as a synonym in the RHS record.

This plant grows to about 0.33 feet (0.1 metres) tall. It completes its life cycle as an annual. Plants For A Future reports leaves and flowers throughout the year. Each flower has both male and female organs. Insects pollinate the flowers, and the plant is also self-fertile. These records give no species-level details of leaf shape or fruit. They also give no mature spread, so height alone describes its size here.

In Britain, field speedwell grows on land worked for crops or gardens. Plants For A Future describes it as widespread in the north. Its presence is more local in the south. Cultivated beds are a listed setting, though it has weed potential. This matters when choosing whether to keep it in a bed. The evidence does not establish invasive status or name specific pests or diseases.

Plants For A Future describes this species as easy to grow. It needs soil that holds moisture but drains well. Moderate soil fertility suits it, and it prefers cool summers. It can grow in sand, loam or clay. Mildly acid, neutral and mildly alkaline soils are all suitable. It needs an open site because it cannot grow in shade. Sow seed directly where it will grow in spring or autumn. The supplied records give no hardiness zone or frost limit.

The leaves and young shoots have a recorded food use. People eat them raw or cooked, but their taste is bitter. The source treats them as food for times of shortage. It gives the plant a low food-use rating. It also records a traditional decoction for menstrual pain and bleeding. That record does not establish medical safety or effectiveness. Plants For A Future lists no known hazards. This is not proof of safety for people or pets. It records no other uses.