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       Oklahoma Wildflowers serves as an introduction to The Wonderful World of Oklahoma Wildflowers with a linked list to the site which which has general plant information and images useful for identification and educational purposes.
        Since space is limited here I will add photos and information about plants blooming during the current month. For more detailed information and images go to the linked address. Unless noted, all photos were taken in Oklahoma
        For detailed information on using the Wonderful World of Oklahoma Wildflowers scroll to the end of this page or click on a flower common name on the list.

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

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.

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