French speedwell (Veronica acinifolia, Sp. pl. ed. 2, 1:19. 1762)

Family: Plantaginaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. pl. ed. 2, 1:19. 1762

Year: 1762

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Veronica

Vegetable: False

Observations: Europe to SW. Siberia and Mongolia

Description

The French speedwell, known scientifically as Veronica acinifolia, is a fascinating species belonging to the Plantaginaceae family. Described in detail by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus in his second edition of “Species Plantarum” published in 1762, this herbaceous plant has a wide geographical distribution ranging from Europe through Southwestern Siberia and extending as far as Mongolia.

This perennial plant is notable for its delicate, oftentimes vibrant blue to purple flowers which bloom in the spring, offering a charming splash of color to its natural habitat. The leaves of Veronica acinifolia are aciniform, meaning they are somewhat shaped like needles or have a narrow, elongated form, which distinguishes it from many other species within the Veronica genus.

Typically found in temperate climates, the French speedwell thrives in various environments including meadows, grasslands, and open woodlands, often favoring sandy or well-drained soils. Its adaptive nature allows it to prosper in both wild settings and cultivated gardens, where it is sometimes grown as an ornamental plant due to its appealing floral display.

In addition to its aesthetic appeal, Veronica acinifolia holds ecological significance. It contributes to the local ecosystem by providing nectar for pollinators such as bees and butterflies, thereby supporting biodiversity. The plant’s growth and proliferation can also be indicative of soil health, making it a useful species for ecological monitoring.

Moreover, as with many traditionally observed plants, there are historical anecdotes and potential medicinal uses associated with Veronica species, though such practices are less commonly pursued in contemporary times.

In summary, the French speedwell is a beautifully distinctive member of the Plantaginaceae family. Its broad habitat range, ecological benefits, and historical botanical relevance, as documented since the 18th century, underscore its enduring presence in both wild and cultivated landscapes across its native distribution regions.

Common Names

Deu: drüsiger ehrenpreis, kölme-ehrenpreis, steinquendel-ehrenpreis
Eng: french speedwell
Ces: rozrazil pomněnkolistý
Nld: steentijmereprijs
Cym: rhwyddlwyn ffrainc, rhwyddlwyni ffrainc
En: French speedwell
Cs: Rozrazil pomněnkolistý
Nl: Steentijmereprijs
Fr: Véronique à feuilles de calament, Véronique à feuilles de calament acinos, Véronique à feuilles d’acinos
De: Drüsiger Ehrenpreis, Kölme-Ehrenpreis, Steinquendel-Ehrenpreis, Steinquendelblättriger Ehrenpreis
It: Veronica acinifoglia
Es: Veronica acinifolia
Cy: Rhwyddlwyn Ffrainc, Rhwyddlwyni Ffrainc

Synonyms

• Agerella acinifolia ((L.) Fourr.)
• Veronica coniosperma (Wallr.)
• Cardia orbicularis (Dulac)
• Veronica ciliata (Schloss. & Vuk.)
• Veronica nemorosa (Kastropp)

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Altay (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Corse (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• East Aegean Is. (native)
• Germany (native)
• Great Britain (native)
• Greece (native)
• Hungary (native)
• Italy (native)
• Kazakhstan (native)
• Kirgizstan (native)
• Kriti (native)
• Krym (native)
• Lebanon-Syria (native)
• Mongolia (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Romania (native)
• Spain (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Turkey-in-Europe (native)
• Turkmenistan (native)
• Uzbekistan (native)
• Xinjiang (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)

Additional Images

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

Bark

Taken Mar 5, 2020 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Flower

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

Taken Apr 17, 2020 by emilienne marty (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 10, 2017 by angel (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 5, 2020 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 3, 2013 by John Touma (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Mar 5, 2020 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 14, 2022 by William Galigani (cc-by-sa)

Habit

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

Taken Mar 18, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Mathieu MENAND (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 17, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Emilien HENRY (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 4, 2013 by Tela Botanica − LE ROY Jean-Pierre (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 18, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Mathieu MENAND (cc-by-sa)

Other

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

Taken May 22, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Jacques Maréchal (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 22, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Jacques Maréchal (cc-by-sa)

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

Taken Apr 30, 1869 by Tela Botanica − Herbier PONTARLIER-MARICHAL (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken May 15, 2002 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken May 22, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Jacques Maréchal (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:811565-1)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/8019690)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Veronica acinifolia L.)

Specifications

Growth

Ph maximum: 6.5

Ph minimum: 5.5

Light: 8

Atmospheric humidity: 7

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

Soil nutriments: 4