Veronica americana aka American Brooklime

Veronica americana, or American brooklime, is a perennial in the Plantaginaceae family. Its native range spans North America and parts of northeast Asia. In Asia, it grows in the Russian Far East and Japan. Its Japanese range includes northern and north-central parts of the country. It is not native to Britain or Ireland. The species grows in temperate regions, where it inhabits wet places.

Plants For A Future gives a height of about 0.33 feet (0.1 metres). It lists a spread of about 3.3 feet (1 metre). These figures describe a low plant with a much wider spread. The same source records flowers from July to August. Each flower has both male and female organs. Insects pollinate the flowers, and the plant is also self-fertile. The supplied species evidence gives no details about fruit or flower colour.

This plant suits wet ground and can grow in shallow water. Its wild habitats include small streams, swamps, and shallow pools. In gardens, it suits pond edges and bog beds. It can also grow along a wet woodland edge. Plants For A Future describes it as easy to grow. It prefers cool summers and soil with moderate fertility. It accepts sand, loam, and clay, so soil texture need not limit planting. Mildly acid, neutral, and mildly alkaline soils all suit it. It grows in sun or light shade and needs no strong light.

The leaves are edible, either raw or cooked. Their hot taste makes them a possible stand-in for watercress. Plants For A Future gives its food value two out of five. It also records use as an expectorant, with a medicinal rating of one out of five. That record describes a use, not proof that treatment works. The source lists no known hazards and no other uses. It reports no weed potential, but provides no details about pests or diseases.

Seed and division both offer ways to raise more plants. Sow seed in autumn in a cold frame. Move seedlings into separate pots once large enough to handle. Plant them outdoors in summer. Divide established plants in spring or autumn. Large divisions can go straight into their final site. Keep small divisions in pots under light shade until growth is strong. Then plant them out in summer or the next spring.