Brooklime, European speedwell

Veronica beccabunga

Physical Characteristics

Veronica beccabunga is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from May to September, and the seeds ripen from July to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Flies, bees. The plant is self-fertile. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers wet soil and can grow in water.

Distribution

Europe, incl Britain, from Norway south and east to N. Africa, temperate Asia to Japan and Himalayas

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Pond; Bog Garden;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Edible Uses: Leaves - raw or cooked[2, 4, 5, 115]. They can be added to salads, mixed with water cress or cooked with other strongly flavoured greens[9, 183]. A pungent flavour, although the leaves are wholesome they are not very palatable[4, 12].

Medicinal Uses

Alterative Antiscorbutic Diuretic Emmenagogue Febrifuge Poultice The whole plant is alterative, antiscorbutic, very mildly diuretic, emmenagogue and febrifuge[4, 9, 13, 21]. It is of little benefit as a medicinal herb, but has a beneficial laxative effect when included in the diet[9]. The leaves are used in the treatment of scurvy, impurity of the blood etc[240]. The plant is bruised and applied externally as a politic on burns, ulcers, whitlows, etc[240].

Known Hazards

None known