Wood speedwell (Veronica montana, Cent. Pl. I: 3 (1755))

Family: Plantaginaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Cent. Pl. I: 3 (1755)

Year: 1755

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Veronica

Vegetable: False

Observations: Europe to Caucasus, NW. Africa

Description

Wood Speedwell, scientifically known as Veronica montana, is a delicate and fascinating plant that belongs to the Plantaginaceae family. It is noted for its ability to thrive in various regions, from the expansive landscapes of Europe to the lofty terrains of the Caucasus, and even reaching the diverse habitats of Northwestern Africa.

This plant was first detailed by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus in his 1755 publication “Cent. Pl. I: 3”, where it was meticulously classified and described. Linnaeus’s authoritative work underlines the significance of Wood Speedwell in the broader context of botanical studies.

Veronica montana typically inhabits woodlands, where it finds the partial shade and moist soil conditions that best support its growth. This plant is known for its small, yet charming blue flowers, which bloom in the late spring to early summer months. These blossoms are usually seen dotting the forest floor, adding a sprinkle of color among the underbrush.

The leaves of Wood Speedwell are ovate and have toothed margins, giving the plant a textured foliage that contrasts beautifully with its vibrant floral displays. The plant’s ability to sparkle in shaded environments makes it a noteworthy addition to the botanical tapestry of its native regions.

In addition to its aesthetic qualities, Wood Speedwell plays an essential role in its ecosystem. It provides habitat and food for various insects and contributes to the biodiversity of the woodlands. Its presence is a marker of a healthy and diverse forest environment, making it an invaluable component of its natural habitat.

Overall, Veronica montana encapsulates the beauty and ecological importance of woodland flora, standing as a testament to the intricate balance of life in forested regions.

Common Names

Deu: berg-ehrenpreis
Dan: bjerg-ærenpris
Nld: bosereprijs
Lav: kalnu veronika
Fra: véronique des montagnes
Eng: wood speedwell
Swe: skogsveronika, skogsärenpris
Nno: skogveronika
Nob: skogveronika
Cym: rhwyddlwyn mynyddig, rhwyddlwyn mynyddol, rhwyddlwyn y bryniau, rhwyddlwyn y coed, rhwyddlwyn y gwrych, rhwyddlwyni’r coed
En: Wood speedwell
Bg: Планинско великденче
Ca: Verònica de muntanya
Cs: Rozrazil horský
Da: Bjerg-Ærenpris
Nl: Bosereprijs
Fi: Pyökkitädyke
Fr: Véronique des montagnes
De: Berg-Ehrenpreis
It: Veronica montana
Lv: Kalnu veronika
Nb: Skogveronika
Nn: Skogveronika
Pl: Przetacznik górski
Ru: Вероника горная
Sv: Skogsveronika, Skogsärenpris
Tr: Orman yavşan otu
Cy: Rhwyddlwyn y coed, Rhwyddlwyn Mynyddig, Rhwyddlwyn Mynyddol, Rhwyddlwyn y Bryniau, Rhwyddlwyn y Gwrych, Rhwyddlwyni’r Coed

Synonyms

• Coerulinia montana ((L.) Fourr.)
• Cardia montana ((L.) Dulac)
• Veronica montana var. denticulata (Sennen & Elías)
• Veronica subbiscutata (Crantz)

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Algeria (native)
• Austria (native)
• Baltic States (native)
• Belarus (native)
• Belgium (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Corse (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• Denmark (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Great Britain (native)
• Greece (native)
• Hungary (native)
• Ireland (native)
• Italy (native)
• Netherlands (native)
• North Caucasus (native)
• Poland (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Romania (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• Spain (native)
• Sweden (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Transcaucasus (native)
• Tunisia (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Turkey-in-Europe (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)

Additional Images

Other

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

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

Taken Jun 30, 1872 by Tela Botanica − Herbier PONTARLIER-MARICHAL (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 20, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Emmanuel STRATMAINS (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 12, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Mathilde DUVERGER (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken May 1, 2019 by Manu Pacha (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 1, 2019 by Manu Pacha (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 9, 2019 by Fejul Xeto (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 9, 2019 by Fejul Xeto (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 9, 2019 by Fejul Xeto (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jun 20, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Emmanuel STRATMAINS (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 15, 2021 by jake morley (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 2, 2022 by Tristan Jaton-Maria (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 26, 2022 by Pierre LEON (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 27, 2022 by Pierre LEON (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken May 8, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 22, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 26, 2022 by Pierre LEON (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 22, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 27, 2022 by Pierre LEON (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Sep 14, 2021 by Steven Law (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 16, 2021 by Darren Giddins (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 23, 2021 by Rinusz (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 30, 2021 by cathy pradelle (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 27, 2022 by Pierre LEON (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

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

Taken Jun 22, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 22, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 18, 2004 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 22, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (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)
• WFO (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/8328247)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:812334-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Veronica montana L.)

Specifications

Growth

Ph maximum: 5.5

Ph minimum: 5.0

Light: 4

Atmospheric humidity: 8

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

Soil nutriments: 5