Pennell’s speedwell (Veronica catenata, Rhodora 23: 37 (1921))

Family: Plantaginaceae

Author: Pennell

Bibliography: Rhodora 23: 37 (1921)

Year: 1921

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Veronica

Vegetable: False

Observations: S. Canada to U.S.A., Azores, Europe to Caucasus, N. Africa

Description

Pennell’s speedwell, known scientifically as Veronica catenata, is a fascinating species within the Plantaginaceae family. First described by Pennell in 1921, and documented in the notable botanical journal Rhodora (Volume 23, page 37), this plant has garnered attention for its modest yet charming presence across diverse habitats.

Geographically, Pennell’s speedwell boasts a wide distribution. It is native to significant regions of southern Canada and the United States, extending its range across the Atlantic to the Azores. The species is also prevalent throughout Europe, reaching as far east as the Caucasus mountains, and can be found in northern Africa. This wide distribution hints at the plant’s adaptability to various climatic conditions and soil types.

Characteristically, Pennell’s speedwell is distinguished by its delicate flowers and modest growth habit. Like many species within the genus Veronica, it typically features small, tubular flowers that may appear in shades of blue or purple, providing a subtle yet aesthetically pleasing display. The foliage is usually simple, oppositely arranged, and can offer a verdant backdrop to the plant’s more vivid floral components.

Ecologically, Veronica catenata plays a role in its native habitats by participating in local ecosystems, potentially providing nectar to pollinators and contributing to the biodiversity of plant communities. Its ability to thrive in various environments underscores its ecological significance and resilience.

Cultivationally, Pennell’s speedwell may appeal to gardeners and botanists interested in native plants or those seeking to support pollinator populations. Its relatively low maintenance requirements and ability to integrate into different garden styles make it an attractive addition to both wildflower meadows and more controlled garden settings.

In summary, Pennell’s speedwell (Veronica catenata) is a noteworthy plant not only for its widespread occurrence and adaptability but also for its understated beauty. Its presence across multiple continents underscores its versatility and ecological importance, making it a subject of interest for botanists and plant enthusiasts alike.

Common Names

Deu: blasser gauchheil-ehrenpreis, lockerähriger ehrenpreis, roter wasser-ehrenpreis
Eng: chain speedwell, pennell’s speedwell, pink water speedwell, pink water-speedwell, sessile water-speedwell
Dan: vand-ærenpris
Swe: dikesveronika, vesitädyke, sjöveronika
Nno: dikeveronika
Nob: dikeveronika
Nld: rode waterereprijs
Fin: vesitädyke
Fra: véronique en chaîne, véronique aquatique, véronique enchaînée
Cym: graeanllys y dŵr rhuddgoch, graeanllys-y-dŵr rhosliw
En: Pennell’s speedwell, Chain speedwell, Pink water speedwell, Pink water-speedwell, Sessile water-speedwell
Da: Vand-ærenpris
Nl: Rode waterereprijs
Fi: Konnantädyke, Vesitädyke
Fr: Véronique en chaîne, Véronique aquatique, Véronique enchaînée
De: Blasser Gauchheil-Ehrenpreis, Lockerähriger Ehrenpreis, Roter Wasser-Ehrenpreis, Bleicher Gauchheilehrenpreis, Roter Wasserehrenpreis
It: Crescione, Erba grassa, Veronica acquatica, Veronica concatenata
Nb: Dikeveronika
Nn: Dikeveronika
Sv: Dikesveronika, Vesitädyke, Sjöveronika
Cy: Graeanllys y Dŵr Rhuddgoch, Graeanllys-y-Dŵr Rhosliw

Synonyms

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Alberta (native)
• Algeria (native)
• Austria (native)
• Azores (native)
• Baltic States (native)
• Belarus (native)
• Belgium (native)
• British Columbia (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• California (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• Denmark (native)
• East European Russia (native)
• Egypt (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Great Britain (native)
• Greece (native)
• Hungary (native)
• Idaho (native)
• Illinois (native)
• Indiana (native)
• Iowa (native)
• Ireland (native)
• Italy (native)
• Kansas (native)
• Kentucky (native)
• Libya (native)
• Maine (native)
• Manitoba (native)
• Masachusettes (native)
• Michigan (native)
• Minnesota (native)
• Missouri (native)
• Montana (native)
• Morocco (native)
• Nebraska (native)
• Netherlands (native)
• Nevada (native)
• New Mexico (native)
• New York (native)
• North Caucasus (native)
• North Dakota (native)
• Northwest European R (native)
• Ohio (native)
• Oklahoma (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Oregon (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• Poland (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Québec (native)
• Romania (native)
• Saskatchewan (native)
• South Dakota (native)
• Spain (native)
• Sweden (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Tennessee (native)
• Texas (native)
• Tunisia (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• Vermont (native)
• Virginia (native)
• Washington (native)
• West Virginia (native)
• Wisconsin (native)
• Wyoming (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Mar 19, 2020 by j B (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 4, 2022 by Patrice Bracquart (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 11, 2020 by Felix Ankenbrand (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 11, 2020 by Felix Ankenbrand (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 16, 2022 by ANSH SINGH (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jul 15, 2021 by graeme wood (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 27, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Gabrielle BRICHE (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 27, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Gabrielle BRICHE (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 11, 2020 by Felix Ankenbrand (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 19, 2020 by j B (cc-by-sa)

Habit

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

Taken Jun 11, 2022 by meyn lorenz (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 7, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 16, 2022 by meyn lorenz (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 19, 2020 by j B (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jul 29, 2021 by Richard Thomas (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 16, 2022 by meyn lorenz (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jul 6, 2022 by Richard Thomas (cc-by-sa)

Other

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

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

Taken Jun 7, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 7, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 11, 2008 by Tela Botanica − Mathieu MENAND (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.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3172092)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:264716-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Veronica catenata Pennell)

Specifications

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.5

Ph minimum: 7.0

Light: 8

Atmospheric humidity: 9

Soil nutriments: 6