Ivy-Leaf Speedwell
Veronica hederifolia
Family: Scrophulariaceae
What it is like
Veronica hederifolia is a ANNUAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in). It is in flower from April to May, and the seeds ripen from May to June. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 0.5
Where it is found
Common in cultivated ground throughout Britain.
Europe, including Britain, from Norway south and east to N. Africa and temperate Asia to Japan.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 1
The herb is alterative, antiscorbutic and diuretic. It is used in the treatment of scurvy, impurities of the blood etc. It is also used as a remedy for scrofulous affections, especially of the skin, and is bruised and applied externally for healing burns, ulcers, whitlows and the mitigation of painful piles.
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.
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
Easily grown in a moderately fertile moisture retentive or dry well drained soil. Prefers cool summers.
Propagating it: Seed - sow spring or autumn in situ.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Annual
Hardiness:
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Moist