Field Speedwell, Green field speedwell

Veronica agrestis

Physical Characteristics

Veronica agrestis is a ANNUAL growing to 0.1 m (0ft 4in). It is in leaf all year, in flower all year. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Dryoptera, hymenoptera. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

Europe, including Britain, from Norway south and east to N. Africa, W. Asia.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Shoots Edible Uses: Leaves and young shoots - raw or cooked. A bitter flavour[K]. A famine food, it is only used when all else fails[179].

Medicinal Uses

Women's complaints A decoction of the plant is used in the treatment of dysmenorrhoea and haemorrhage[218].

Known Hazards

None known