Family: Plantaginaceae
Author: Jacq.
Bibliography: Fl. Austriac. 1: 37 (1773)
Year: 1773
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Veronica
Vegetable: False
Observations: Mts. of C., S. & E. Europe
Description
Nettle-leaf speedwell, scientifically known as Veronica urticifolia, is a notable species within the Plantaginaceae family. Its first documented appearance dates back to 1773, thanks to Jacq., who detailed it in the “Flora Austriaca.”
This herbaceous plant is predominantly found in the mountainous regions of Central, Southern, and Eastern Europe. Its distinct name is derived from the shape and texture of its foliage, which bears a striking resemblance to that of the nettle. Unlike nettle, however, the leaves of Veronica urticifolia do not possess stinging hairs, making it a much gentler presence in the terrain it inhabits.
Veronica urticifolia thrives in moist, often shaded environments, frequently favoring woodland clearings and the edges of forests. These ecological preferences are aptly supported by its morphological adaptations, including broad, slightly serrated leaves that can efficiently photosynthesize under the canopy’s partial shade.
The plant typically flowers from late spring to early summer, producing spikes of small, blue to violet, tubular flowers. These blossoms are not only visually appealing but also play a crucial role in the local ecosystem, attracting various pollinators, including bees and butterflies. Post-pollination, the flowers give way to small, capsule-like fruits that contain numerous tiny seeds, facilitating its spread throughout its native habitat.
In terms of conservation status, there haven’t been significant reports pointing towards its vulnerability or endangerment. However, like many native species, Veronica urticifolia benefits from the protection of its natural habitats, which are increasingly threatened by human activities such as deforestation and the encroachment of urban development. Conservation efforts aimed at preserving these environments, therefore, indirectly support the endurance of this charming wildflower.
In summary, Veronica urticifolia, or nettle-leaf speedwell, is a vital component of the European mountainous flora. Its historical documentation and widespread occurrence across diverse regions underscore its ecological and botanical significance, serving as a testament to the rich biodiversity found within the Plantaginaceae family.
Common Names
Deu: nesselblättriger ehrenpreis
Eng: nettle-leaf speedwell, nettle-leaved speedwell
En: Nettle-leaf speedwell, Nettle-leaved Speedwell
Ca: Verònica latifòlia
Nl: Brandnetelereprijs, Netelereprijs
Fr: Véronique à feuilles d’ortie
De: Nesselblättriger Ehrenpreis, Breitblättriger Ehrenpreis
It: Veronica delle faggete
Synonyms
- Veronica urticifolia f. latifolia (Bolzon)
- Veronica uralensis (Knjaz.)
- Veronica circaeoides (G.Don)
- Veronica latifolia var. urticifolia ((Jacq.) Vayr.)
- Veronica latifolia var. biloba (Pau)
- Veronica angulata (Opiz)
- Veronicella urticifolia ((Jacq.) Fourr.)
Distribution
- Albania (native)
- Austria (native)
- Bulgaria (native)
- East European Russia (native)
- France (native)
- Germany (native)
- Greece (native)
- Italy (native)
- Poland (native)
- Romania (native)
- Spain (native)
- Switzerland (native)
- Ukraine (native)
- Yugoslavia (native)
Additional Images
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Leaf
Taken Jul 16, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 13, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 28, 2021 by Egon Krogsgaard (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 20, 2022 by Fero Looxi (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 20, 2022 by baron nadine (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Jun 26, 2019 by Patrick Jansen (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 10, 2022 by clara Marcenac (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 20, 2018 by Renaud Brochiero (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 28, 2021 by parramon marta (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 9, 2018 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Jun 24, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 24, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 24, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 9, 2018 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 24, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Aug 11, 2020 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 11, 2020 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 13, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 21, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 9, 2018 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Jun 10, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 15, 2016 by Christophe coudot (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 17, 2021 by Yvan Fischer (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 12, 2017 by Jef Horemans (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 21, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Apr 27, 2011 by Martin Bishop (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 24, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/8242995)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:812797-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Veronica urticifolia Jacq.)
Specifications
Growth
Ph maximum: 7.5
Ph minimum: 7.0
Light: 5
Atmospheric humidity: 7
Bloom months: [‘jun’, ‘jul’, ‘aug’]
Soil nutriments: 7