Large speedwell (Veronica austriaca, Syst. Nat. ed. 10, 2: 849 (1759))

Family: Plantaginaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Syst. Nat. ed. 10, 2: 849 (1759)

Year: 1759

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Veronica

Vegetable: False

Observations: Poland to Croatia and N. Caucasus

Description

Large speedwell, scientifically known as Veronica austriaca and classified within the Plantaginaceae family, is a vibrant and resilient perennial species. This plant has its origins predominantly across the regions extending from Poland to Croatia and reaching into the northern Caucasus. The first formal classification was made in 1759, as documented in “Systema Naturae,” the monumental work by Carl Linnaeus.

Boasting a captivating blue to violet hue, the flowers of the Large speedwell add a splash of color to the natural landscapes it inhabits. Typically, the flowering period spans early to mid-summer, when its slender spikes adorned with small blossoms are in full display, attracting various pollinators.

Veronica austriaca thrives best in well-drained soils and shows a preference for sunny locations, although it can tolerate partial shade. It is versatile enough to flourish in a variety of habitats, ranging from meadows and grassy slopes to garden settings. Gardeners and botanists alike appreciate this species not only for its aesthetic appeal but also for its low maintenance and hardiness.

Despite its picturesque beauty, the Large speedwell also holds ecological significance. It provides a vital nectar source for bees and other insects, thus playing a crucial role in sustaining biodiversity in its native regions.

In summary, Veronica austriaca, or Large speedwell, is a stunning, easy-to-grow perennial with robust adaptability and an important role in natural ecosystems. Its beautiful blooms and resilience make it a cherished plant from Eastern Europe to the Caucasus region.

Common Names

Eng: broadleaf speedwell, large speedwell, broad-leaved speedwell
Nld: brede ereprijs
Fin: itävallantädyke
Swe: itävallantädyke, östveronika
Nno: prydveronika
Nob: prydveronika
Deu: österreichischer ehrenpreis, österreichischer ehrenpreis (i. w. s.)
Dan: østrigsk ærenpris
Fra: véronique d’autriche
Cym: rhwyddlwyn mawr
En: Large speedwell, Broadleaf speedwell, Austrian speedwell, Saw-leaved speedwell, Broad-leaved speedwell
Bg: Австрийско великденче
Ca: Verònica austríaca
Zh: 卷毛婆婆纳
Cs: Rozrazil rakouský
Da: Østrigsk ærenpris
Nl: Veronica austriaca subsp. teucrium, Brede ereprijs, Breedbladige ereprijs
Fi: Itävallantädyke
Fr: Veronica austriaca teucrium, Veronique germandree, Véronique d’Autriche
De: Österreich-Ehrenpreis, Österreichischer Ehrenpreis, Österreichischer Ehrenpreis (i. w. S.)
It: Veronica d’Austria
Nb: Prydveronika
Nn: Prydveronika
Pl: Przetacznik ząbkowany
Ru: Вероника австрийская
Sk: Veronika hrdobarkovitá
Sv: Östveronika, Flikveronika, Itävallantädyke
Uk: Вероніка австрійська
Cy: Rhwyddlwyn mawr

Synonyms

• Veronica austriaca var. pinnatifida (W.D.J.Koch)
• Veronica teucrium subsp. austriaca ((L.) Arcang.)
• Veronica pinnatifida (Pohl)

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Austria (native)
• Belarus (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Central European Rus (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• East European Russia (native)
• Germany (native)
• Hungary (native)
• Italy (native)
• North Caucasus (native)
• Poland (native)
• Romania (native)
• South European Russi (native)
• Transcaucasus (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Turkey-in-Europe (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• Amur (introduced)
• Khabarovsk (introduced)
• Minnesota (introduced)
• Primorye (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jul 15, 2019 by jose (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 13, 2019 by parramon marta (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 23, 2018 by jose (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 16, 2016 by Joan Curià (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 24, 2019 by Dominique Annibal (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jun 30, 2021 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 14, 2022 by huy HO (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 21, 2020 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 28, 2018 by Fejul Xeto (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 23, 2022 by Ayşe Gül Demirbilek (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken May 4, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 11, 2021 by annette annette (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 30, 2021 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 26, 2021 by Jeanine Vialatte (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 2022 by Anthony Raoux (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Apr 18, 2021 by Eli Small (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 11, 2020 by Bastien Alegot (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 13, 2021 by Anita Uher-Uebigau (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 25, 2019 by Vuk Bojović (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 20, 2017 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jun 14, 2019 by Raymond Delcourt (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 3, 2018 by Nicolas Lagarrigue (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 23, 2020 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 23, 2020 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 9, 2022 by cornelia bischoff (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jun 2, 2022 by Radu Nicolau (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 18, 2020 by Christine Schuster (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 23, 2020 by Thomas Limmer (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 8, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Paul FABRE (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 24, 2020 by alopobla (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.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3172099)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:811661-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Veronica austriaca L.)

Specifications

Growth habit: Forb/herb

Growth