Breckland speedwell (Veronica praecox, Auct. Fl. Pedem.: 5 (1789))

Family: Plantaginaceae

Author: All.

Bibliography: Auct. Fl. Pedem.: 5 (1789)

Year: 1789

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Veronica

Vegetable: False

Observations: Europe to Caucasus, NW. Africa

Description

Breckland speedwell, scientifically known as Veronica praecox, is a petite yet vibrant member of the Plantaginaceae family. This delightful plant boasts a rich history, first cataloged in “Auct. Fl. Pedem.” in 1789 by the renowned botanist All.

Native to a vast geographical range, Breckland speedwell can be found flourishing from the temperate regions of Europe to the rugged terrains of the Caucasus, extending its reach even into the northwestern parts of Africa. Its adaptability to various climates and soils underscores its resilience and evolutionary success.

The plant typically displays charming blue to violet flowers, which stand out against the subtle green of its foliage. These blossoms create a captivating contrast and attract a variety of pollinators, contributing to the plant’s ecological significance. Breckland speedwell is often spotted in open fields, meadows, and sometimes in less disturbed areas, signifying its preferential habitats.

Despite its modest size, Veronica praecox plays a crucial role in its ecosystems. It serves as a source of nectar for bees and other insects, supporting biodiversity and promoting the health of the environment. Its presence is also an indicator of the ecological state of the habitats it thrives in.

In summary, Breckland speedwell is a notable plant with a wide distribution and a significant role within its ecosystems. With its striking flowers and broad habitat range, it is a cherished species among botanists and nature enthusiasts alike.

Common Names

Eng: breckland speedwell
Deu: früher ehrenpreis
Dan: tidlig ærenpris
Swe: alvarveronika
Nld: vroege ereprijs
Fra: véronique précoce
Nob: alvarveronika
Nno: alvarveronika
Cym: rhwyddlwyn breckland
En: Breckland speedwell
Ca: Verònica precoç
Da: Tidlig ærenpris
Nl: Vroege ereprijs
Fi: Alvaritädyke
Fr: Véronique précoce
De: Früher Ehrenpreis, Frühblühender Ehrenpreis
It: Veronica precoce
Nb: Alvarveronika
Nn: Alvarveronika
Es: Borroncillo
Sv: Alvarveronika
Cy: Rhwyddlwyn Breckland

Synonyms

• Veronica ocymifolia (Thuill.)
• Veronica thessala (Formánek)
• Veronica triphyllos subsp. praecox ((All.) Corb.)
• Veronica viscida (Waldst. ex Roem. & Schult.)
• Veronica formanekii (Heldr.)
• Cochlidiosperma praecox ((All.) Opiz)
• Omphalospora praecox ((All.) Fourr.)
• Cardia praecox ((All.) Dulac)
• Veronica segetalis (Pers.)
• Veronica praecox var. minor (Gaudin)

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Algeria (native)
• Austria (native)
• Belgium (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• Denmark (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Great Britain (native)
• Greece (native)
• Hungary (native)
• Italy (native)
• Kriti (native)
• Krym (native)
• Morocco (native)
• Netherlands (native)
• North Caucasus (native)
• Poland (native)
• Romania (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• South European Russi (native)
• Spain (native)
• Sweden (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Tunisia (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)

Additional Images

Other

Taken May 15, 2008 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken May 15, 2008 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)

Taken May 15, 2008 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Dec 31, 1852 by Tela Botanica − Herbier PONTARLIER-MARICHAL (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken May 15, 2007 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jul 15, 2006 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken May 15, 2006 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken May 15, 2008 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken May 15, 2008 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Leaf

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

Taken May 15, 2008 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken May 15, 2008 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken May 15, 2008 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken May 15, 2008 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Flower

Taken Apr 15, 2013 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Apr 15, 2012 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Apr 15, 2012 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Apr 15, 2012 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken May 15, 2008 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Habit

Taken May 15, 1990 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Aug 15, 1988 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken May 15, 1987 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken May 15, 2008 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken May 15, 2008 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Bark

Taken May 15, 2006 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/7331926)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:812510-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Veronica praecox All.)

Specifications

Growth

Bloom months: [‘mar’, ‘apr’, ‘may’, ‘jun’]