Family: Plantaginaceae
Author: Roem. & Schult.
Bibliography: Syst. veg. 1:101. 1817
Year: 1817
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Veronica
Vegetable: False
Observations: E. U.S.A. to Greenland
Description
The American alpine speedwell, scientifically known as Veronica wormskjoldii, is a captivating perennial plant belonging to the family Plantaginaceae. First described and scientifically classified by Roem. & Schult. in 1817 in their monumental work “Syst. veg. 1:101,” this plant has continued to interest botanists and plant enthusiasts alike for centuries.
Native to a broad swath of North America, the American alpine speedwell is predominantly found in the eastern United States, stretching its reach into the cold, rugged terrains of Greenland. Its adaptability to high-altitude climates and cooler regions highlights its hardiness and unique ecological niche.
This species is characterized by its delicate, blue to violet flowers, grouped in racemes that provide a striking contrast against the backdrop of alpine landscapes. The foliage typically displays a lush green hue, with leaves that are often lance-shaped, contributing to the plant’s graceful appearance.
American alpine speedwell thrives in moist, well-drained soils, often found in alpine meadows, tundras, and regions with minimal human disturbance. Its presence across such a diverse geographic range underscores its resilience and adaptive capabilities.
For those interested in botany, horticulture, or simply the beauty of wild flora, Veronica wormskjoldii stands as a testament to nature’s intricate and enduring beauty. Its role in native ecosystems and its historical classification continue to make it a subject of study and admiration.
Common Names
Eng: american alpine speedwell, alpine speedwell, wormskjold’s alpine speedwell
Fra: véronique de wormskjöld
En: American alpine speedwell, Alpine speedwell, Wormskjold’s alpine speedwell
Fr: Véronique des Alpes, Véronique de Wormskjöld
Synonyms
- Veronica alpina subsp. wormskjoldii ((Roem. & Schult.) Elenevsky)
- Veronica alpina var. wormskioldii ((Roem. & Schult.) Hook.)
Distribution
- Alaska (native)
- Alberta (native)
- Aleutian Is. (native)
- Arizona (native)
- British Columbia (native)
- California (native)
- Colorado (native)
- Greenland (native)
- Idaho (native)
- Labrador (native)
- Maine (native)
- Montana (native)
- Nevada (native)
- New Hampshire (native)
- New Mexico (native)
- Newfoundland (native)
- Northwest Territorie (native)
- Nunavut (native)
- Ontario (native)
- Oregon (native)
- Québec (native)
- Utah (native)
- Washington (native)
- Wyoming (native)
- Yukon (native)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken Aug 17, 2019 by that’s someguy (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 24, 2021 by Danielle Mccloy (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Jul 24, 2021 by Danielle Mccloy (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3172106)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:264768-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Veronica wormskjoldii Roem. & Schult.)
Specifications
Growth form>: Rhizomatous
Growth habit>: Forb/herb
Growth rate>: Moderate
Growth
Ph maximum: 7.3
Ph minimum: 6.0