Alpine speedwell (Veronica alpina, Sp. Pl.: 11 (1753))

Family: Plantaginaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 11 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Veronica

Vegetable: False

Observations: NE. Canada to Greenland, Europe to Siberia and W. Himalaya

Description

Alpine speedwell, known scientifically as Veronica alpina, is a fascinating and resilient member of the Plantaginaceae family. Originally described by the distinguished botanist Carl Linnaeus in his seminal work “Species Plantarum” in 1753, this hardy perennial has captivated botanists and nature enthusiasts alike for centuries.

This plant is predominantly found in the cooler regions of the Northern Hemisphere. Its range extends from the northeastern parts of Canada, sweeping across Greenland, and spans from Europe to Siberia. It even reaches the lofty heights of the Western Himalayas, showcasing its remarkable adaptability across diverse climates and terrains.

Veronica alpina is characterized by its low-growing, herbaceous form, often found gracing the rocky slopes and alpine meadows where few other plants can thrive. The species is known for its clusters of delicate, bright blue to violet flowers, which can bring a splash of color to the otherwise stark and rugged landscapes it inhabits. These blossoms usually appear in late spring to early summer, attracting a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies.

The Alpine speedwell is not only a testament to the beauty and resilience of nature but also plays a crucial role in its ecosystems. It helps in stabilizing the soil in mountainous regions, preventing erosion. Its presence indicates healthy, undisturbed habitats, often forming a part of the intricate tapestry of alpine flora that supports a range of wildlife.

Despite its tough nature, the Alpine speedwell is not impervious to the threats posed by climate change and human activity. The alteration of alpine environments due to rising temperatures, pollution, and habitat destruction could potentially impact this hardy plant in the future.

In conclusion, Veronica alpina, or Alpine speedwell, is a striking example of nature’s ability to endure and flourish in some of the harshest environments on Earth. Its wide distribution from North America to the Himalayas and across Eurasia highlights its remarkable ecological versatility and importance.

Common Names

Deu: alpen-ehrenpreis
Eng: alpine speedwell
Swe: fjällveronika, tunturitädyke
Nob: snøveronika
Nno: snøveronika
Fin: tunturitädyke
Fra: véronique alpine, véronique des alpes
Cym: rhwyddlwyn alpaidd, rhwyddlwyn y mynydd, rhwyddlwyni’r mynydd
En: Alpine speedwell
Bg: Алпийско великденче
Ca: Verònica alpina
Cs: Rozrazil alpský
Nl: Alpenereprijs
Fi: Tunturitädyke
Fr: Véronique des Alpes, Véronique alpine
Ka: Ალპური ვერონიკა
De: Alpen-Ehrenpreis
Is: Fjalladepla
It: Veronica alpina, Veronica delle Alpi
No: Fjellveronika
Nb: Snøveronika
Nn: Snøveronika
Pl: Przetacznik alpejski
Ru: Вероника альпийская
Sk: Veronika alpínska
Sv: Fjällveronika, Tunturitädyke
Uk: Вероніка альпійська
Cy: Rhwyddlwyn y mynydd, Rhwyddlwyn Alpaidd, Rhwyddlwyni’r Mynydd

Synonyms

• Veronica minuscularia (Pau)
• Veronica clarkeana (Schult. & Schult.f.)
• Veronica alpina f. integrifolia ((Schrank) Bolzon)
• Veronica alpina var. lapponica (Wahlenb.)
• Veronica pygmaea (Schrank)
• Veronica alpina var. typica (Fernald)
• Veronicastrum alpinum ((L.) Fourr.)
• Veronica serpyllifolia var. integerrima (Beck)
• Veronica alpina var. crenata (Rchb.)
• Cardia alpina ((L.) Dulac)
• Veronica alpina var. heterophylla (Rchb.)
• Veronica alpina var. integerrima (Rouy)
• Veronica alpina f. albiflora (Rosenv.)
• Veronica alpina var. lasiocarpa (Hartm.)
• Veronica alpina var. pusilla (Hartm.)
• Veronica alpina var. australis (Wahlenb.)
• Veronica lasiocarpa (Pennell)
• Veronica alpina subsp. minuscularia ((Pau) Rivas Mart. & Molero Mesa)
• Veronica alpina subsp. lasiocarpa ((Pennell) Elenevsky)
• Veronica grandifolia (Vest ex Schult.)
• Veronica gebhardiana (Vest ex Schult.)
• Veronica alpina subsp. pumila ((All.) Dostál)
• Veronica alpina subsp. australis ((Wahlenb.) Á.Löve & D.Löve)

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Altay (native)
• Austria (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Buryatiya (native)
• Corse (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• Finland (native)
• France (native)
• Føroyar (native)
• Germany (native)
• Great Britain (native)
• Greenland (native)
• Iceland (native)
• Italy (native)
• Krasnoyarsk (native)
• Labrador (native)
• North European Russi (native)
• Norway (native)
• Nunavut (native)
• Pakistan (native)
• Poland (native)
• Québec (native)
• Romania (native)
• Spain (native)
• Svalbard (native)
• Sweden (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Tadzhikistan (native)
• Tibet (native)
• Tuva (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• West Himalaya (native)
• West Siberia (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.

Habit

Taken Jul 8, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 3, 2017 by huy HO (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 24, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 8, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 1, 2020 by Nadine Castel (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jul 10, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 24, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 8, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 8, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 1, 2020 by Nadine Castel (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jul 26, 2021 by Nadine Castel (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 22, 2020 by Brainfartstein euh.. (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 20, 2021 by Nadine Castel (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 6, 2020 by Emanuele Santarelli (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 1, 2020 by Nadine Castel (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jul 15, 2009 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jul 15, 2009 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jul 15, 2007 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Jul 8, 2000 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 3, 2017 by huy HO (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Jul 8, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 3, 2017 by huy HO (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 24, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 10, 2021 by JF Rosston (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 8, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jul 15, 2009 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jul 15, 2009 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jul 21, 2022 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 21, 2022 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 6, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Genevieve BOTTI (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3172050)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:811595-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Veronica alpina L.)

Specifications

Growth habit: Forb/herb

Growth

Ph maximum: 6.5

Ph minimum: 5.5

Light: 7

Atmospheric humidity: 7

Bloom months: [‘jul’, ‘aug’]

Soil nutriments: 3