Veronica hederifolia L.

Ivy Leaf Speedwell

Herb

Annual

Vascular

Ivy Leaf Speedwell is an introduced cool season annual in the Plantain family (Plantaginaceae). It is native to Eurasia, but is introduced in North America and other areas. In Alabama in can be found statewide. Ivy Leaf Speedwell grows in flowerbeds, in lawns, on roadsides, along railroad tracks, and in other disturbed areas. It is an annual that branches near the base and tends to sprawl and form low mats. The stems are 4-12 inches in length, terete, green or reddish-brown in color, and pubescent. The leaves are opposite near the base of the plant and alternate near the tips of the stems. The leaves are petiolate, ovate in outline, pubescent, with 3-5 shallow lobes along the margins. The middle lobe is the largest. Flowers are solitary from the axils of the upper leaves. The pedicel of the flower is pubescent and equal or nearly equal to the length of the subtending leaf, becoming longer in fruit. Each flower has 4 green pubescent sepals that are as long as the petals, and 4 pale bluish-white petals with darker veins. The fruit is a glabrous capsule. The capsule is flattened and has a slight notch at the apex.—A. Diamond

**

Not Native

**