Spring speedwell (Veronica verna, Sp. Pl.: 14 (1753))

Family: Plantaginaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 14 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Veronica

Vegetable: False

Observations: Morocco, Europe to SW. Siberia and W. Himalaya

Description

Spring speedwell, known scientifically as Veronica verna, is a charming and delicate flowering plant that belongs to the Plantaginaceae family. As its common name suggests, Spring speedwell typically makes its delightful appearance in the springtime, gracing various regions with its presence.

This plant was first described and named in the renowned botanical work “Species Plantarum” in 1753 by the esteemed botanist Carl Linnaeus, indicated in botanical literature simply as “L.” Renowned for its resilient nature, Veronica verna can be observed across a broad geographical range. It thrives in environments stretching from the beautiful landscapes of Morocco and the fluctuating terrains of Europe through to the southwestern parts of Siberia, and even reaching as far as the western Himalayas.

Veronica verna contributes to the rich biodiversity of these regions with its modest yet impactful presence. The family Plantaginaceae, to which this plant belongs, consists of many herbs equally well-adapted to a variety of habitats, illustrating the family’s incredible adaptability and ecological breadth.

In summary, Spring speedwell is a remarkable plant species that not only brightens up spring seasons across multiple continents but also signifies the intricate and extensive natural bridge between Europe, Asia, and North Africa. Linnaeus’ early documentation in the 18th century has allowed subsequent generations to appreciate and further study this plant, ensuring it continues to be recognized and valued in the botanical world.

Common Names

Deu: frühlings-ehrenpreis, frühlingsehrenpreis
Eng: spring speedwell, vernal speedwell
Dan: vår-ærenpris
Swe: kevättädyke, vårveronika, vårärenpris
Fin: kevättädyke
Nld: kleine ereprijs
Nor: vaar-flesme
Nob: vårveronika
Nno: vårveronika
Fra: véronique printanière, véronique du printemps
Cym: rhwyddlwyn y gwanwyn
En: Spring speedwell, Vernal speedwell
Be: Крынічнік вясенні
Bg: Пролетно великденче
Zh: Lie ye po po na, 裂叶婆婆纳
Cs: Rozrazil jarní
Da: Vår-ærenpris
Nl: Kleine ereprijs
Et: Kevadmailane
Fi: Kevättädyke
Fr: Véronique printanière, Véronique du printemps, Véronique de printemps, Véronique spontanée, Véronique pritanière
De: Frühlings-Ehrenpreis, Frühlingsehrenpreis
It: Veronica primaverile
Lv: Pavasara veronika
No: Vaar-flesme
Nb: Vårveronika
Nn: Vårveronika
Ru: Вероника весенняя
Es: Veronica verna
Sv: Vårveronika, Kevättädyke, Vårärenpris
Tr: Bahar yavşan otu
Cy: Rhwyddlwyn y gwanwyn

Synonyms

• Veronica succulenta (All.)
• Veronica bernettii (A.F.Schwarz)
• Veronica verna var. succulenta (Klett & Richt.)
• Veronica bellardii (All.)
• Veronica verna var. pusilla (Klett & Richt.)
• Veronica verna var. integrifolia (Pančić)
• Veronica verna var. multicaulis (Schltdl.)
• Veronica trifida (Gilib.)
• Veronica verna var. gracilis (Schltdl.)
• Veronica verna subsp. longistyla ((Ces.) Arcang.)
• Veronica verna var. virgata (Schltdl.)
• Agerella verna ((L.) Fourr.)
• Veronica palmatiloba (Miégev.)
• Cardia verna ((L.) Dulac)
• Veronica linearifolia (Vis.)
• Veronica procerior (C.Presl ex Schult. & Schult.f.)
• Veronica verna var. revelieri (Briq.)
• Veronica arvensis subsp. bellardii ((All.) Arcang.)
• Veronica campestris (Schmalh.)
• Veronica brevistyla (Moris)
• Veronica verna var. caespitosa (Vayr.)
• Veronica verna subsp. brevistyla ((Moris) Rouy)
• Veronica chamaepitys (Pers.)

Distribution

• Afghanistan (native)
• Albania (native)
• Altay (native)
• Austria (native)
• Baltic States (native)
• Belarus (native)
• Belgium (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Central European Rus (native)
• Corse (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• Denmark (native)
• East European Russia (native)
• Finland (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Great Britain (native)
• Greece (native)
• Hungary (native)
• Iran (native)
• Italy (native)
• Kazakhstan (native)
• Kirgizstan (native)
• Krym (native)
• Morocco (native)
• Netherlands (native)
• North Caucasus (native)
• North European Russi (native)
• Northwest European R (native)
• Norway (native)
• Pakistan (native)
• Poland (native)
• Romania (native)
• Sardegna (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• South European Russi (native)
• Spain (native)
• Sweden (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Tadzhikistan (native)
• Transcaucasus (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Turkey-in-Europe (native)
• Turkmenistan (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• Uzbekistan (native)
• West Himalaya (native)
• Xinjiang (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• British Columbia (introduced)
• Idaho (introduced)
• Indiana (introduced)
• Masachusettes (introduced)
• Michigan (introduced)
• Minnesota (introduced)
• Montana (introduced)
• New Brunswick (introduced)
• New York (introduced)
• Newfoundland (introduced)
• Nova Scotia (introduced)
• Ontario (introduced)
• Oregon (introduced)
• Prince Edward I. (introduced)
• Washington (introduced)
• Wisconsin (introduced)
• Wyoming (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.

Leaf

Taken May 29, 2021 by Lori Klosterman (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 30, 2022 by Дмитрий Дегтярев (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 21, 2019 by Alain Haye (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 18, 2019 by Diego Alex (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 26, 2021 by Vulic Daniela (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Mar 7, 2021 by Asd Syr (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 4, 2020 by Wiel W.Heijckers (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 10, 2022 by Søren Sommer Pedersen (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 16, 2021 by Andrea Petryk (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 24, 2021 by Axel Wedig (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken May 15, 2008 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Aug 15, 2009 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Aug 15, 2012 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Jul 15, 2006 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Jun 11, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Jacques HOUDRÉ (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc)

Taken May 29, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Hugues TINGUY (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 7, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Françoise CARLE (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jul 15, 2006 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Jun 11, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Jacques HOUDRÉ (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 11, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Jacques HOUDRÉ (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 11, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Jacques HOUDRÉ (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 11, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Jacques HOUDRÉ (cc-by-sa)

Bark

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

Taken May 15, 2007 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jun 11, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Jacques HOUDRÉ (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:812811-1)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3172116)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Veronica verna L.)

Specifications

Growth habit: Forb/herb

Growth

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