Veronica longifolia

Garden Speedwell, Long-leaf Speedwell

Plantaginaceae Edible: Leaves 18,845 iNaturalist observations

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Summary

Veronica longifolia, known as garden speedwell or longleaf speedwell, is a flowering plant in the family Plantaginaceae.

Description

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.

Edible Uses

Leaves and young shoots can be eaten raw or cooked. This is a famine food, used only when other options have been exhausted.

Traditional Uses

The shoots and leaves are eaten.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Medicinal Uses

None known.

Distribution

It is a temperate plant. In Argentina it grows below 500 m above sea level. It suits hardiness zones 4-9.

Where It Grows

Argentina, Asia, Australia, Balkans, Belgium, Britain, Bulgaria, China, Europe, New Zealand, North America, Siberia, South America, USA,

Cultivation

Easily grown in a moderately fertile moisture retentive well drained soil. Prefers cool summers. A number of cultivars have been selected for their ornamental value.

Propagation

Sow seed in autumn in a cold frame. Prick seedlings into individual pots once large enough and plant out in summer. Divide in autumn or spring — larger divisions can go directly into permanent positions, while smaller ones do best potted up and grown on in light shade until established, then planted out in summer or the following spring.

Other Uses

None known.

Notes

There are about 250 Veronica species. Also put in the family Scrophulariaceae.

Synonyms

Pseudolysimachion longifolium

References (7)

Bodkin, F., 1991, Encyclopedia Botanica. Cornstalk publishing, p 1010
Brickell, C. (Ed.), 1999, The Royal Horticultural Society A-Z Encyclopedia of Garden Plants. Convent Garden Books. p 1046
Cundall, P., (ed.), 2004, Gardening Australia: flora: the gardener's bible. ABC Books. p 1462
Hibbert, M., 2002, The Aussie Plant Finder 2002, Florilegium. p 305
Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/

Show all 7 references