Brooklime, European speedwell
Veronica beccabunga
Family: Scrophulariaceae
What it is like
Veronica beccabunga is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from May to September, and the seeds ripen from July to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Flies, bees. The plant is self-fertile. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers wet soil and can grow in water.
Height (m): 0.6
Where it is found
In streams, ditches, ponds and wet places in meadows, in acid or alkaline soils.
Europe, incl Britain, from Norway south and east to N. Africa, temperate Asia to Japan and Himalayas
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
Leaves - raw or cooked. They can be added to salads, mixed with water cress or cooked with other strongly flavoured greens. A pungent flavour, although the leaves are wholesome they are not very palatable.
Medicine
Rating: 1
The whole plant is alterative, antiscorbutic, very mildly diuretic, emmenagogue and febrifuge. It is of little benefit as a medicinal herb, but has a beneficial laxative effect when included in the diet. The leaves are used in the treatment of scurvy, impurity of the blood etc. The plant is bruised and applied externally as a politic on burns, ulcers, whitlows, etc.
Alterative: Causes a gradual beneficial change in the body, usually through improved nutrition and elimination, without having any marked specific action.
Antiscorbutic: A plant rich in vitamin C that is used to counteract scurvy.
Diuretic: Acts on the kidneys, promoting the flow of urine.
Emmenagogue: Promotes or increases the menstrual flow. In early stages of pregnancy it can induce an abortion.
Febrifuge: Reduces fevers.
Poultice: A moist, usually warm or hot, mass of plant material applied to the skin in the treatment of burns etc.
Other
Rating:
Attracts Wildlife: Plants noted for attracting wildlife
How it is grown
Easily grown in a moderately fertile wet soil, growing best in water up to 15cm deep. Prefers cool summers. Plants do not demand high light levels. A good bee plant.
Propagating it: Seed - sow autumn in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer. If you have sufficient, the seed can be sown in situ in the spring or the autumn. Division at almost any time in the growing season. Very easy, even a small part of the plant will root if put in water.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Pond; Bog Garden;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 4-8
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Wet, water