Veronica peduncularis aka Speedwell

Veronica peduncularis is a perennial known as speedwell or bird's-foot speedwell. It belongs to the Plantaginaceae family. Its native range runs from southern Ukraine into the western and central Caucasus. It grows in a temperate climate. In gardens, it forms a low mat with evergreen leaves. This spreading form makes it useful as a ground cover.

Garden plants reach about 0.3–1 foot [0.1–0.3 metres] in height and width. Chicago Botanic Garden describes a mat 0.5 feet [0.15 metres] tall. That mat spreads about 1 foot [0.3 metres] wide. The leaves give the plant a fine texture. Their colour can be green or brown with copper tones. The leaves lack hairs, and the stems have no scent. NC State lists a medium growth rate. Chicago describes the mat as spreading slowly.

The small flowers appear in spring and can continue into summer. Chicago lists bloom months from March through June. Blue is the main flower colour listed by both gardens. NC State also records pink and white flowers. Chicago's prose describes white flowers with pink veins, despite its blue colour entry. These accounts differ on colour but agree on small blooms. NC State lists the flowers as suitable for cutting. It also reports that the plant draws butterflies.

Full sun suits this plant, though NC State also allows partial shade. It can grow in a range of soils. Good drainage matters more than a narrow choice of soil. Missouri Botanical Garden recommends average soil with moderate moisture. Avoid sites where water collects or drains poorly. Chicago lists USDA zones 6–9, while NC State includes zone 5b. Cold tolerance may vary with the site. Missouri warns that winter survival is uncertain around St. Louis. Both Missouri and Chicago favour a sheltered planting spot.

Use this low plant at border edges or in rock gardens. It also suits containers and small ground-cover spaces. Missouri describes its care needs as low. Trimming after bloom can prompt fresh leaf growth. Missouri reports no major insect or disease problems. NC State lists resistance to both deer and rabbits. Chicago also records deer resistance. These sources give no evidence about edible parts or toxicity. They do not establish whether people or pets can safely eat it.