Field speedwell (Veronica agrestis, Sp. Pl.: 13 (1753))

Family: Plantaginaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 13 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Veronica

Vegetable: False

Observations: Macaronesia, Europe to Medit.

Description

Field speedwell, known scientifically as Veronica agrestis, is a charming and delicate member of the Plantaginaceae family. The species was first described in 1753, a testament to its long-recognized presence in botanical records.

This petite plant is native to a diverse range of regions stretching from Macaronesia, across Europe, and extending to parts of the Mediterranean. Its adaptability to different climates and soils makes it a resilient component of its native habitats.

Field speedwell typically features small, but striking blue to purple flowers. These blossoms, often with white centers, are an attractive sight in fields, gardens, and meadows. The leaves of Veronica agrestis are tender, ovate, and often coarsely serrated, contributing to the plant’s subtle yet distinct appearance.

In ecological terms, field speedwell plays a significant role. It often flourishes in disturbed soils, making it a common sight in cultivated lands and fallow fields. Though small in stature, it is a plant of considerable ecological importance, aiding in soil stabilization and providing nectar for various pollinators.

In summary, Veronica agrestis, or field speedwell, is a notable species within the Plantaginaceae family, celebrated for its simple beauty and its enduring presence across a broad geographical area. Its historical and ecological significance continues to make it a subject of interest for botanists and nature enthusiasts alike.

Common Names

Deu: acker-ehrenpreis
Eng: field speedwell, green field speedwell, green field-speedwell, garden speedwell
Dan: flerfarvet ærenpris
Spa: veronica basta
Nor: aaker-flesme
Nld: akkerereprijs
Fin: peltotädyke
Swe: peltotädyke, åkerveronika, åkerärenpris
Ces: rozrazil polní, veronika poľná
Fra: véronique des campagnes, véronique agreste, véronique rustique
Nob: åkerveronika
Nno: åkerveronika
Cym: rhwyddlwyn gorweddog, rhwyddlwyn gorweddol, rhwyddlwyn gwyrdd gorweddol, rhwyddlwyn-y-maes gwyrdd
En: Field speedwell, Green field speedwell, Green Field-speedwell, Garden speedwell, Procumbent Speedwell
Ca: Verònica agresta
Cs: Rozrazil polní, Veronika poľná
Da: Flerfarvet ærenpris
Nl: Akkerereprijs
Fi: Peltotädyke
Fr: Véronique des campagnes, Véronique agreste, Véronique rustique
De: Acker-Ehrenpreis
It: Veronica agreste
No: Aaker-flesme
Nb: Åkerveronika
Nn: Åkerveronika
Pt-br: Verônica-do-campo
Es: Veronica basta, Veronica agreste
Sv: Åkerveronika, Peltotädyke, Åkerärenpris
Cy: Rhwyddlwyn Gorweddog, Rhwyddlwyn Gorweddol, Rhwyddlwyn Gwyrdd Gorweddol, Rhwyddlwyn-y-Maes Gwyrdd

Synonyms

• Veronica pulchella (Bastard)
• Veronica friesiana (Knaf)
• Veronica friesii (Chaub.)
• Veronica agrestis var. denticulata (Chaub. ex K.Koch)
• Veronica longe-pedunculata (Gilib.)
• Veronica polita var. agrestis ((L.) Vayr.)
• Veronica agrestis var. byzantiaca (Sm.)
• Cardia agrestis ((L.) Dulac)
• Cochlidiosperma agreste ((L.) Opiz)
• Veronica agrestis subsp. pulchella ((Wallr.) Gaudin)
• Veronica calycida (Fr. ex Rchb.)
• Veronica agrestis subsp. vulgaris (Gaudin)
• Pocilla agrestis ((L.) Fourr.)
• Veronica obscura (Dumort.)
• Veronica agrestis var. versicolor ((Drejer) Mathieu)
• Veronica polita var. dentata (Sennen & Pau)
• Veronica agrestis var. typica (Ewart)
• Veronica agrestis var. pulchella (Wallr.)
• Veronica opaca var. pulchella (Rouy)
• Veronica alba (Mazziari)
• Veronica arvensis var. glandulosa (Wimm. & Grab.)
• Veronica versicolor (Drejer)
• Veronica versicolor var. calycida (Fr.)
• Veronica agrestis var. calycina (Fr. ex Hartm.)

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Algeria (native)
• Austria (native)
• Azores (native)
• Baltic States (native)
• Belarus (native)
• Belgium (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Canary Is. (native)
• Central European Rus (native)
• Corse (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• Denmark (native)
• East European Russia (native)
• Finland (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Greece (native)
• Hungary (native)
• Italy (native)
• Kriti (native)
• Libya (native)
• Madeira (native)
• Morocco (native)
• Netherlands (native)
• Northwest European R (native)
• Norway (native)
• Palestine (native)
• Poland (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Romania (native)
• Sardegna (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• South European Russi (native)
• Spain (native)
• Sweden (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Tunisia (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• Alabama (introduced)
• Assam (introduced)
• Bangladesh (introduced)
• Bermuda (introduced)
• District of Columbia (introduced)
• Falkland Is. (introduced)
• Florida (introduced)
• Great Britain (introduced)
• Haiti (introduced)
• Illinois (introduced)
• Ireland (introduced)
• Kentucky (introduced)
• Louisiana (introduced)
• Maryland (introduced)
• Masachusettes (introduced)
• Mauritius (introduced)
• New York (introduced)
• Newfoundland (introduced)
• Northern Provinces (introduced)
• Nova Scotia (introduced)
• Pennsylvania (introduced)
• Québec (introduced)
• Réunion (introduced)
• St.Helena (introduced)
• Texas (introduced)
• Tristan da Cunha (introduced)
• Turkmenistan (introduced)
• Vermont (introduced)

Additional Images

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

Flower

Taken Apr 15, 2022 by chiara (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 9, 2022 by marc Delu (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 9, 2021 by abh bécé (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 13, 2022 by Marysia Kay (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 24, 2020 by Dizzy Marsh (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Feb 11, 2017 by Jose Luis Romero (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 15, 2022 by chiara (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 25, 2020 by David Hocken (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Feb 1, 2022 by Maider Usabiaga “Praktikak” (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 20, 2021 by vincent martha (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 25, 2021 by Albert Birkicht (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 19, 2022 by etienne gaide (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 17, 2022 by Eugenia (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Feb 13, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Nov 13, 2022 by Marysia Kay (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 10, 2022 by Thymus Marrovius (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 4, 2022 by Марья (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Apr 6, 2020 by Jana Jana (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 10, 2021 by Marc Horisberger (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 31, 1880 by Tela Botanica − Anne-Marie GRIMAUD (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 31, 1854 by Tela Botanica − Herbier PONTARLIER-MARICHAL (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Apr 29, 2021 by Patrick Chevallier (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3172082)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:326368-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Veronica agrestis L.)

Specifications

Growth habit: Forb/herb

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.5

Ph minimum: 7.0

Light: 8

Atmospheric humidity: 5

Bloom months: [‘mar’, ‘apr’, ‘may’, ‘jun’, ‘jul’, ‘aug’, ‘sep’, ‘oct’]

Soil nutriments: 7