Gray Field Speedwell 2009

Gray Field Speedwell (Veronica polita)

       The Gray Field Speedwell, an introduced plant from Asia/Europe, is now found scattered across the eastern half of the United States growing in lawns, and open fields in early spring, sometimes in mass. These low, sprawling plants produce beautiful small one eighth to one half inch blue flowers with darker veins that grow at leaf bases. The stems and toothed leaves are roughly hairy.
       The two species, Veronic polita and Veronica persica are very similar and easily misidentified. The visible difference between them is minor with V. persica having flower stalks longer than their leaves while V. polita have flower stalks shorter than their leaves.
       Leaves and stems of this plant can be eaten raw or cooked.
       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.