Veronica scutellata aka Marsh Speedwell

Veronica scutellata is a small perennial in the Plantaginaceae family. Its common names include marsh speedwell and bog speedwell. It grows across the temperate Northern Hemisphere and northern Algeria. Its native range includes Britain and Ireland. Records also place it across parts of Asia and North America. This wide range includes both Canada and the United States. In the wild, it grows beside ponds and in bogs. Wet meadows also provide a home, often on acid ground.

The plant reaches about 0.3 feet [0.1 metres] in height. Its spread reaches about 1 foot [0.3 metres]. This low form suits wet planting sites with limited space. Flowers appear from June through August. Each flower has both male and female organs. Flies pollinate the blooms, and the plant is self-fertile. It can therefore set seed without a second plant. The supplied species records give no leaf, stem, or fruit details.

Choose an open site, since this species does not tolerate shade. It prefers wet ground and can also grow in water. Plants For A Future also recommends soil that holds moisture yet drains well. It accepts sandy, loamy, and clay soils. Mildly acid, neutral, and mildly alkaline soils all suit it. Its wild use of acid sites does not mean acid soil is essential. Moderate soil fertility and cool summers suit its growth. The listed USDA hardiness range is zones 5–9.

Garden uses include pond edges, bog gardens, and wet meadows. Its small size makes it a low plant for these settings. Seed and division both offer ways to raise more plants. Sow seed in a cold frame during autumn. With enough seed, sow directly outside in autumn or spring. Move seedlings into separate pots once large enough to handle. Plant them out during summer. Divide plants in spring or autumn. Larger pieces can go straight into their final sites. Grow smaller pieces in pots before planting them out.

The leaves are edible either raw or cooked, but taste bitter. Plants For A Future gives their food value a low rating. It records no known medicinal uses or other uses. The source lists no known hazards, rather than confirmed safety for every use. It also does not flag this species as weedy. The supplied evidence names no specific pests or diseases.