Veronica hederifolia aka Ivy Leaved Speedwell

Veronica hederifolia belongs to the plantain family, Plantaginaceae. It is an annual, known as ivy-leaved speedwell. Its native range spans Macaronesia, Europe, the Mediterranean and Central Asia. It is native to Britain and Ireland. It grows in cool weather in temperate regions. It lives in lawns, gardens and along roadsides. It also grows on disturbed ground, field edges and waste ground.

The plant forms low mats. Its stems branch near the ground. Some stems rise a little rather than lying flat. Plants reach about 0.33 feet (0.1 m) tall. They spread 0.33–1.64 feet (0.1–0.5 m). Stems grow about 0.33–1 foot (0.1–0.3 m) long. Some reports give lengths of 2 feet (0.61 m). The round, hairy stems may be green or reddish brown. Broad, oval leaves have three to five shallow lobes. They look like ivy leaves, which gives the plant its common name. Fine hairs cover the leaves. Their undersides may look red. Lower leaves grow in pairs. On flower stems, leaves grow in turn, not in pairs.

Small flowers grow alone where leaves join the stems. Each has four petals that form a shallow cup. Petals range from pale blue to violet-blue. Darker lines lead to a pale or white centre. Green, hairy sepals form a ring around each flower. The RHS lists blooms from spring through late summer. North Carolina records note winter blooms too. Green fruits follow the flowers. These heart-shaped capsules have rounded tops. Hairy sepals stay around them. The capsules split open when ripe.

Full sun suits this plant. It also copes with part shade. It grows in clay, loam, sand and chalk. Acid, neutral and alkaline soils all suit it. It needs moist soil that drains well. The RHS gives it a UK hardiness rating of H7. It grows at a moderate rate. Plants reach maturity within one year. It needs no pruning and grows with ease from seed. Its spreading form can suit wildflower areas. It also suits lawns with many plant species. The RHS lists it for wildlife gardens too.

It can shed enough seed to become a garden weed. Shallow roots make it easy to pull by hand. Aphids may attack it. Disease is not a usual problem. Plants For A Future lists no known edible uses or hazards. This does not mean it is safe to eat. That source also notes past uses as medicine. These include treatments for scurvy and skin complaints. The records do not show that these treatments work.