Finger speedwell (Veronica triphyllos, Sp. Pl.: 14 (1753))

Family: Plantaginaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 14 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Veronica

Vegetable: False

Observations: Europe to C. Asia and NW. Iran, NW. Africa

Description

Finger speedwell, scientifically known as Veronica triphyllos, is a distinctive member of the Plantaginaceae family. First described by Carl Linnaeus in 1753 in his seminal work “Species Plantarum,” this plant carries a rich history within its taxonomy and geographical distribution.

Thriving across a diverse range, Finger speedwell is native to Europe, central Asia, and the northwestern regions of Iran and Africa. Its adaptation to various climates underscores its resilience and ability to flourish in different environmental conditions. The plant’s unique appearance sets it apart from other species within the Veronica genus.

Finger speedwell can commonly be found in open fields, grasslands, and disturbed soils where it showcases its slender stems and small, captivating flowers. This herbaceous annual often displays vibrant blue or violet blooms that attract pollinators, adding both ecological value and aesthetic beauty wherever it grows.

The foliage of Veronica triphyllos is characteristically divided into three lobes, a feature that further distinguishes it from its relatives and lends an ornamental quality to this tenacious plant. Its blooming period typically spans the spring months, during which time it contributes to the biodiversity and visual splendor of its natural habitats.

Given its extensive distribution and striking characteristics, Finger speedwell holds an esteemed position within both botanical studies and natural history. It serves as a testament to the adaptability and enduring charm of the Plantaginaceae family, continuing to captivate botanists and nature enthusiasts alike.

Common Names

Deu: dreiteiliger ehrenpreis
Eng: finger speedwell, fingered speedwell
Dan: trefliget ærenpris
Nld: handjesereprijs
Swe: klibbveronika, klibbärenpris
Ces: rozrazil trojklaný
Fra: véronique trifoliée
Nob: kjertelveronika
Nno: kjertelveronika
Cym: rhwyddlwyn byseddog
En: Finger speedwell, Fingered speedwell, LOBED SPEEDWELL
Be: Крынічнік трохлісты
Bg: Трилистно великденче
Ca: Verònica trifil·la
Cs: Rozrazil trojklaný
Da: Trefliget ærenpris
Nl: Handjesereprijs
Fi: Tahmatädyke
Fr: Véronique trifoliée, Véronique à feuilles trilobées, Véronique à trois lobes, Véronique digitée
De: Dreiteiliger Ehrenpreis, Dreiblättriger Ehrenpreis
It: Veronica trifogliata
Nb: Kjertelveronika
Nn: Kjertelveronika
Pl: Przetacznik trójlistkowy
Ru: Вероника трёхлистная
Sk: Veronika trojúkrojová
Sv: Klibbveronika, Klibbärenpris
Uk: Вероніка трилиста
Cy: Rhwyddlwyn byseddog

Synonyms

• Veronica digitata (Lam.)
• Veronica triphyllos var. simplex (Schltdl.)
• Veronica triphyllos var. vulgaris (Schltdl.)
• Veronica triphyllos var. collina (Opiz)
• Veronica triphyllos f. dentata (Peev)
• Omphalospora triphylla (Fourr.)
• Veronica collina (Opiz)
• Veronica quinquefida (Gilib.)

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Algeria (native)
• Austria (native)
• Baltic States (native)
• Belarus (native)
• Belgium (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Cyprus (native)
• Denmark (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Greece (native)
• Hungary (native)
• Iran (native)
• Iraq (native)
• Italy (native)
• Kazakhstan (native)
• Kriti (native)
• Krym (native)
• Lebanon-Syria (native)
• Morocco (native)
• Netherlands (native)
• North Caucasus (native)
• Poland (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Romania (native)
• South European Russi (native)
• Spain (native)
• Sweden (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Transcaucasus (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Turkey-in-Europe (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• Uzbekistan (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• California (introduced)
• Czechoslovakia (introduced)
• Great Britain (introduced)
• Idaho (introduced)
• Kansas (introduced)
• Missouri (introduced)
• New York (introduced)
• Oklahoma (introduced)
• Oregon (introduced)
• Washington (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Mar 14, 2021 by joselu_4 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 17, 2020 by Filip Arndt (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 25, 2021 by Julian Diaz (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 2, 2020 by Andrea Nachlingerova (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 17, 2021 by Kasia Sojka (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken May 19, 2020 by Saroma24 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 7, 2022 by Sandor Samu (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 14, 2021 by joselu_4 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 25, 2021 by Julian Diaz (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 17, 2021 by Kasia Sojka (cc-by-sa)

© 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.

Fruit

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

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

Taken Apr 18, 2010 by Tela Botanica − Liliane PESSOTTO (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Apr 18, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Claude CALAIS (cc-by-sa)

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

Taken Apr 18, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Denis FILOSA (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 18, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Claude CALAIS (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 17, 2021 by Kasia Sojka (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Apr 15, 2006 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

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

Taken Mar 15, 2013 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

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

Taken May 15, 2010 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3172119)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:812774-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Veronica triphyllos L.)

Specifications

Growth habit: Forb/herb

Growth

Bloom months: [‘mar’, ‘apr’, ‘may’]