Water Speedwell

Water Speedwell(Veronica anagallis-aquatica)

       Blooming from late spring, through the summer the Water Speedwell (Veronica anagallis-aquatica), growing in the central United States and found in or near water has a small ¼ inch very pale lavender (almost white) flower with darker blue or purple veins. The Water Speedwell reaches heights to three feet and has leaves which are opposite, ovate and to 3 inches long. The Water Speedwell, a member of the figwort (Scrophulariaceae) family, is endangered or threatened in some of its range.
       Found in Europe and Asia as well as the United States, this plant species is considered a native plant by some authorities and a naturalized plant by others. Another similar species, American Brookline (Veronica Americana) has darker blue flowers and a wider geographical distribution.
       The leaves of the Water Speedwell are edible, high in vitamin C and used to treat scurvy, a vitamin C deficiency. The plant is also useful for the treatment of external sores and burns.
        It is not recommended that these plants be used as medicine or food since they may have bad side effects. Similar species, misidentified, may cause illness or death.

Photos taken at Red Rock Canyon State Park located near Hinton, Oklahoma.