Field Speedwell, Green field speedwell
Veronica agrestis
Family: Scrophulariaceae
What it is like
Veronica agrestis is a ANNUAL growing to 0.1 m (0ft 4in). It is in leaf all year, in flower all year. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Dryoptera, hymenoptera. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 0.1
Where it is found
Cultivated ground throughout Britain, common in the north, local in the south.
Europe, including Britain, from Norway south and east to N. Africa, W. Asia.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
Leaves and young shoots - raw or cooked. A bitter flavour. A famine food, it is only used when all else fails.
Medicine
Rating: 1
A decoction of the plant is used in the treatment of dysmenorrhoea and haemorrhage.
Women's complaints: A very vague title, it deals with a miscellany of problems peculiar to the female sex.
Other
Rating: 0
How it is grown
Easily grown in a moderately fertile moisture retentive well drained soil. Prefers cool summers.
Propagating it: Seed - sow spring or autumn in situ.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Annual
Hardiness: 0-0
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Moist