Prostrate speedwell (Veronica prostrata, Sp. Pl. ed. 2: 22 (1762))

Family: Plantaginaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl. ed. 2: 22 (1762)

Year: 1762

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Veronica

Vegetable: False

Observations: Europe to S. Siberia

Description

Prostrate speedwell, scientifically known as Veronica prostrata, is a low-growing perennial plant renowned for its charming blue flowers. First detailed by L. in the second edition of “Species Plantarum” published in 1762, this hardy species belongs to the Plantaginaceae family.

Native to a wide range extending from Europe to southern Siberia, Veronica prostrata thrives in various environmental conditions, showcasing its versatility. It typically inhabits dry meadows, rocky slopes, and open woodlands, where it forms dense mats that effectively cover the ground.

The foliage of prostrate speedwell is characterized by small, ovate leaves that are arranged oppositely along the stems. During its blooming season, which lies in late spring to early summer, the plant produces clusters of vivid blue flowers. These blossoms are not only visually appealing but also attract a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies.

Veronica prostrata is frequently utilized in garden landscapes and rockeries for its ground-covering capability, which helps prevent erosion while adding a splash of color to the garden floor. Its resilience and minimal maintenance requirements make it a favorite among gardeners looking for a robust and attractive groundcover option.

For those interested in incorporating this plant into their garden, it is recommended to plant it in well-drained soil with full to partial sunlight exposure. Once established, it requires minimal watering and care, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a low-maintenance yet visually pleasing addition to their garden space.

In summary, the prostrate speedwell is a splendid example of nature’s resilience and beauty, offering both ecological benefits and ornamental value to any landscape it graces. Its rich history, stretching from Europe to Siberia, and its botanical characteristics ensure its continued popularity among plant enthusiasts and gardeners alike.

Common Names

Deu: eigentlicher niederliegender ehrenpreis, liegender ehrenpreis (i. w. s.), niederliegender ehrenpreis
Eng: prostrate speedwell
Nld: liggende ereprijs
Swe: mattveronika
Lav: skraj
Fra: véronique couchée
Nob: matteveronika
Nno: matteveronika
En: Prostrate speedwell, Sprawling Speedwell
Bg: Разперено великденче
Cs: Rozrazil rozprostřený
Da: Sten-Ærenpris
Nl: Liggende ereprijs
Fi: Mätästädyke
Fr: Véronique couchée, Véronique prostrée
De: Niederliegender Ehrenpreis, Eigentlicher Niederliegender Ehrenpreis, Liegender Ehrenpreis (i. w. S.), Liegender Ehrenpreis, Maiteppich-Veronika
It: Veronica sdraiata
Lv: Skrajā veronika, Skraj
Nb: Matteveronika
Nn: Matteveronika
Pl: Przetacznik rozesłany
Ru: Вероника простёртая
Sk: Veronika rozprestrená
Sv: Mattveronika
Uk: Вероніка лежача

Synonyms

• Veronica pilosa (L.)
• Veronica prostrata var. decumbens (Dumort.)
• Veronica cordata (Čelak.)
• Veronica prostrata var. deorum (Stoj. & Jordanov)
• Veronica prostrata var. virens (Klett & Richt.)
• Uranostachys prostrata ((L.) Fourr.)
• Veronica prostrata var. kajmakcalanica (Adamović)
• Veronica prostrata var. sibirica (Watzl)
• Veronica austriaca var. prostrata ((L.) Kauffm.)
• Cardia prostrata ((L.) Dulac)
• Veronica teucrium var. lutetiana ((Roem. & Schult.) Rouy)
• Veronica teucrium var. satureifolia (Rchb.)
• Veronica cordata var. elongata (Čelak.)
• Veronica cordata var. minor (Čelak.)
• Veronica teucrium subsp. prostrata ((L.) Bonnier & Layens)
• Veronicastrum prostratum ((L.) Opiz)

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Altay (native)
• Austria (native)
• Baltic States (native)
• Belarus (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Central European Rus (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Hungary (native)
• Irkutsk (native)
• Italy (native)
• Kazakhstan (native)
• Krasnoyarsk (native)
• Krym (native)
• North Caucasus (native)
• North European Russi (native)
• Northwest European R (native)
• Poland (native)
• Romania (native)
• South European Russi (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Turkey-in-Europe (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• West Siberia (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• Buryatiya (introduced)
• East European Russia (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Apr 24, 2022 by Balázs Kókay (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 4, 2022 by Kate (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 14, 2021 by Carine Chapelle (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 29, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Dominique DUVEAU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 25, 2021 by vero (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken May 21, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 21, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 21, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 1, 2020 by Alois Novák (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 30, 2022 by B. F (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.

Habit

Taken Apr 24, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Mathilde DUVERGER (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 24, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Mathilde DUVERGER (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 1, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Marc Chouillou (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 1, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Marc Chouillou (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 21, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Apr 23, 2021 by Tiphaine Biarnais (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 10, 2021 by Queralt Jordi (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jul 11, 2021 by Sergio-OMA (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1800 by Tela Botanica − Thierry Pernot (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Apr 21, 2022 by Petr Harant (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 1, 2021 by Michael Andresek (cc-by-sa)

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

Taken Jan 1, 1800 by Tela Botanica − Thierry Pernot (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1800 by Tela Botanica − Thierry Pernot (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/8903918)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:812523-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Veronica prostrata L.)

Specifications

Growth habit: Forb/herb

Growth