Family: Plantaginaceae
Author: L.
Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 13 (1753)
Year: 1753
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Veronica
Vegetable: False
Observations: Europe to Siberia and C. Asia
Description
Germander speedwell, scientifically known as Veronica chamaedrys, is a charming and resilient plant that graces the landscapes of Europe, extending its reach through Siberia and into Central Asia. This delightful species belongs to the Plantaginaceae family, which encompasses a diverse group of flowering plants known for their adaptability and beauty.
First documented by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus in “Species Plantarum” in 1753, Germander speedwell has long captivated botany enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Its striking blue flowers often provide a splash of color in meadows, woodlands, and grasslands, typically blooming from April to June.
The plant itself is relatively low-growing, forming dense mats that can carpet the ground. Its leaves are opposite, ovate, and finely serrated, often covered in fine hairs. The flowers, though small, are intricately beautiful, usually displaying four petals with a notable white or pale stripe running through each one. These features not only make Germander speedwell visually appealing, but they also serve as a key identifying characteristic in the wild.
Germander speedwell thrives in a variety of conditions, exhibiting a notable degree of hardiness. It can be found in both sunlit and partially shaded areas, often flourishing in fertile, well-drained soils but also capable of adapting to less ideal environments. This adaptability allows it to occupy a wide range across continental Europe and into the more extreme climates of Siberia and Central Asia.
Ecologically, Veronica chamaedrys plays an essential role in its native habitats. It provides nectar for a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies, contributing to the biodiversity and health of ecosystems. Moreover, its presence can indicate the quality of the environment, as it tends to flourish in undisturbed, healthy habitats.
In recent times, beyond its ornamental appeal, Germander speedwell has piqued interest for its potential medicinal properties. Historical herbaceous lore suggests it may have been used traditionally to treat ailments like respiratory issues and skin conditions, although modern scientific validation of these uses is limited.
In summary, Germander speedwell is more than just a pretty face in the plant world. Its historical relevance, ecological importance, and the visual delight it provides make Veronica chamaedrys a notable member of the Plantaginaceae family. Whether you’re a botanist, gardener, or simply a nature enthusiast, this resilient and attractive plant is sure to capture your interest and appreciation.
Common Names
Eng: bird’s-eye, germander speedwell, angel’s-eye, bird’s-eye speedwell, birdseye speedwell
Deu: gamander-ehrenpreis
Dan: tveskægget ærenpris
Nld: gewone ereprijs
Swe: teveronika, teärenpris
Fra: véronique petit chêne, véronique petit-chêne, fausse germandrée
Sme: teadjarássi
Cym: craith unnos, derlys gwylh, llygad doli, llygad glas, llygad y deryn bach, llygad y gath, llygad y tarw, llygad yr angel, llysiau llywelyn, rhwyddlwyn blewynog, rhwyddlwyn y ddeilen ddu dda
En: Germander speedwell, Bird’s-eye, Bird’s-eye speedwell, Birdseye Speedwell, Angel’s-eye, Germander-leaved Speedwell
Ar: زهرة الحواشي الفطحاء
Be: Крынічнік дуброўка
Bg: Плоскосеменно великденче
Ca: Verònica camedris
Zh: Shi can ye po po na, 石蚕叶婆婆纳
Kw: Leslesa glas
Cs: Rozrazil rezekvítek
Da: Tveskægget Ærenpris
Nl: Gamander-ereprijs, Gewone ereprijs
Et: Külmamailane
Fi: Nurmitädyke
Fr: Veronique petit-chene, Véronique petit-chêne, Véronique petit chêne, Fausse germandrée
De: Frauenbiss, Gamander-Ehrenpreis, Gamander Ehrenpreis
Hu: Ösztörűs veronika
Is: Völudepla
Ga: Lus cré talún
It: Veronica comune
Kk: Ементоғай бөденешөбі
Lv: Birztalas veronika
Lt: Paprastoji veronika
Se: Teadjarássi
No: Tveskjeggveronika, Tviskjeggveronika
Os: Æрси
Fa: ورونیکا
Pl: Przetacznik ożankowy
Pt: Verónicas
Ru: Вероника дубравная
Sk: Veronika obyčajná
Es: Verónica, Vrednikov jetičnik, Beltrónica, Camedrio de zarzales, Veronica menor de prados, Verónica menor de prados
Sv: Teveronika, Mormors glasögon, Teärenpris
Uk: Вероніка дібровна
Cy: Llygad doli, Craith Unnos, Derlys Gwylh, Llygad Glas, Llygad y Deryn Bach, Llygad y Gath, Llygad y Tarw, Llygad yr Angel, Llysiau Llywelyn, Rhwyddlwyn Blewynog, Rhwyddlwyn y Ddeilen Ddu Dda
Synonyms
- Veronicella chamaedrys ((L.) Fourr.)
Distribution
- Albania (native)
- Altay (native)
- Austria (native)
- Baltic States (native)
- Belarus (native)
- Belgium (native)
- Bulgaria (native)
- Buryatiya (native)
- Central European Rus (native)
- Czechoslovakia (native)
- Denmark (native)
- East European Russia (native)
- Finland (native)
- France (native)
- Germany (native)
- Great Britain (native)
- Greece (native)
- Hungary (native)
- Iceland (native)
- Ireland (native)
- Irkutsk (native)
- Italy (native)
- Kazakhstan (native)
- Kirgizstan (native)
- Krasnoyarsk (native)
- Krym (native)
- Lebanon-Syria (native)
- Netherlands (native)
- North Caucasus (native)
- North European Russi (native)
- Northwest European R (native)
- Norway (native)
- Poland (native)
- Portugal (native)
- Romania (native)
- South European Russi (native)
- Spain (native)
- Sweden (native)
- Switzerland (native)
- Turkey (native)
- Turkey-in-Europe (native)
- Ukraine (native)
- West Siberia (native)
- Yugoslavia (native)
- Alaska (introduced)
- Alberta (introduced)
- Argentina Northeast (introduced)
- Argentina Northwest (introduced)
- British Columbia (introduced)
- Cape Provinces (introduced)
- Connecticut (introduced)
- District of Columbia (introduced)
- Idaho (introduced)
- Illinois (introduced)
- Indiana (introduced)
- Khabarovsk (introduced)
- Kuril Is. (introduced)
- Maine (introduced)
- Manchuria (introduced)
- Maryland (introduced)
- Masachusettes (introduced)
- Michigan (introduced)
- Missouri (introduced)
- Montana (introduced)
- New Brunswick (introduced)
- New Hampshire (introduced)
- New Jersey (introduced)
- New York (introduced)
- Newfoundland (introduced)
- North Carolina (introduced)
- Nova Scotia (introduced)
- Ohio (introduced)
- Ontario (introduced)
- Oregon (introduced)
- Pennsylvania (introduced)
- Primorye (introduced)
- Prince Edward I. (introduced)
- Québec (introduced)
- Rhode I. (introduced)
- Sakhalin (introduced)
- Vermont (introduced)
- Virginia (introduced)
- Washington (introduced)
- West Virginia (introduced)
- Wisconsin (introduced)
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.
Flower
Taken May 21, 2019 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 21, 2019 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 27, 2017 by Olivier Nicolas (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 8, 2017 by Matesanz Ángel (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 14, 2017 by francis serre (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken May 29, 2022 by Andrzej Konstantynowicz (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 20, 2021 by Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 3, 2021 by Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 20, 2021 by Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 16, 2019 by Javier López (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken May 13, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 14, 2021 by Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 20, 2021 by Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 3, 2021 by Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 20, 2021 by Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Apr 25, 2021 by Giode Tonpino (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 24, 2020 by Andrei Contiu (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 21, 2022 by Sylvain Piry (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 20, 2022 by manuseitz (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 13, 2019 by Gabriele Fadda (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken May 8, 2022 by Pierre LEON (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 26, 2022 by Pierre LEON (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 21, 2022 by Sylvain Piry (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 11, 2022 by Pierre LEON (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 14, 2022 by Dieter Bausenwein (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Aug 12, 2021 by Konstantin Grandl (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 8, 2008 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 23, 2021 by Seb CARION (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 26, 2018 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 26, 2018 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/7874883)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:811804-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Veronica chamaedrys L.)
Specifications
Growth habit: Forb/herb
Growth
Ph maximum: 6.5
Ph minimum: 5.5
Light: 6
Atmospheric humidity: 5
Soil nutriments: 5