Garden Speedwell, Long-leaf Speedwell
Veronica longifolia
Family: Plantaginaceae
What it is like
An erect herb. It grows 50-120 cm high and spreads 40-75 cm wide. The leaves are narrow and lance shaped. They have teeth along the edge and have some hairs. The leaves at the base are 10 cm long. the leaves higher up are smaller. The flowers are in spikes at the top of the plant. These are 25 cm long. They are made up of small blue flowers.
There are about 250 Veronica species. Also put in the family Scrophulariaceae.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. In Argentina it grows below 500 m above sea level. It suits hardiness zones 4-9.
Countries/locations it is found in
Argentina, Asia, Australia, Balkans, Belgium, Britain, Bulgaria, China, Europe, New Zealand, North America, Siberia, South America, USA
How it is used for food
The shoots and leaves are eaten.
Edible parts
Leaves