Undulate speedwell
Veronica undulata
Family: Scrophulariaceae
What it is like
Veronica undulata is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). It is in flower from May to September, and the seeds ripen from July to October. 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 and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist or wet soil.
Height (m): 1
Where it is found
Wet places in lowland northern Japan. Found by water or in swamps below 2800 metres throughout China.
E. Asia - Afghanistan to India, China, Japan and Korea.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
Leaves and young shoots - raw or cooked.
Medicine
Rating: 1
Plants with galls are used to stimulate blood circulation, relieve pains, stimulate menstrual flow, and stop bleeding.
Analgesic: Relieves pain.
Astringent: Produces contraction in living tissue, reducing the flow of secretions and discharges of blood, mucus, diarrhoea etc.
Blood tonic: Is this any different to a blood purifier?
Emmenagogue: Promotes or increases the menstrual flow. In early stages of pregnancy it can induce an abortion.
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in most parts of this country. It is closely related to V. anagallis-aquatica. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Easily grown in a moderately fertile moisture retentive well drained soil. Prefers cool summers.
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 quantity the seed can be sown outdoors in situ in the autumn or the spring. Division in autumn or spring. Larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found that it is best to pot up smaller divisions and grow them on in light shade in a greenhouse or cold frame until they are growing away well. Plant them out in the summer or the following spring.
Best place to grow: Bog Garden;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 0-0
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Moist, wet