American brooklime
Veronica americana
Family: Plantaginaceae
What it is like
A herb. The stems are succulent and creeping. It grows 60-75 cm tall. The leaves are sword shaped and smooth. There are sharp teeth along the edges. The flowers are small and violet or lilac. They are in the axils of leaves.
There are about 250 Veronica species. Also put in the family Scrophulariaceae.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. It often grows along stream banks and swamps and near clear ponds.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, Canada, Europe, Japan, Korea, North America, USA
How it is used for food
The young growth tips can be washed and added to salads. They can also be boiled and eaten as a vegetable. They are used as flavouring for bacon fat or butter. The leaves are brewed into tea.
Edible parts
Leaves, leaves - tea