European brooklime, Water pimpernel
Veronica beccabunga
Family: Plantaginaceae
What it is like
A herb. It has creeping hollow stems. It often grows half under water. It can be 30 cm high. The leaves have stalks. The leaves are 3-5 cm long and oval. They are glossy. The flowers are blue. A few flowers occur together in clusters 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. In Nepal plants grow between 2200-3100 m altitude. They grow in damp places. It suits hardiness zones 5-9.
Countries/locations it is found in
Africa, Asia, Australia, Balkans, Bhutan, Bosnia, Britain, Canada, China, Czech Republic, Eurasia, Europe, Himalayas, India, Iraq, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Mali, Mediterranean, Middle East, Mongolia, Morocco, Nepal, North Africa, Romania, Scandinavia, Slovakia, Spain, Turkey, Türkiye, West Africa
How it is used for food
The tender leaves and shoots are cooked as a vegetable. The young leaves are also used in salads. They are finely chopped and mixed with chives in bread and butter sandwiches. They are used in soup. The leaves are used in tea mixtures.
Edible parts
Leaves
How it is grown
Plants are grown from cuttings which include nodes. They can also be grown from seed.
Its other names
Local names
Astillejos, Berro macho, Bobovnik, Cestoslavica, Crescione, Frailes, Khole sag, Ualubu