PURSLANE SPEEDWELL, Veronica
peregrina L. 1, entire plant; 2, leaf from lower stem;
3, leaf from upper stem; 4, seed; 5, distribution.
Annual or winter annual, reproducing by seeds. Root
system fibrous. Stems numerous, erect, branching from base, smooth,
seldom over 8 inches (20 cm) tall. Leaves simple, narrow; those
at base opposite and slightly toothed, those on upper stem alternate, with
smooth margins. Flowers small, white, in axils of upper leaves.
Seed pod flattened, heart-shaped, about 1/8 inch (3 mm) wide.
Seeds a long oval, flattened, translucent, glossy, orange-yellow,
with a scar on one side. Found in lawns, waste places, fertile fields,
and gardens.
THYMELEAF SPEEDWELL, Veronica serpyllifolia
L. 6, distribution. Similar to the above species. Stems almost
entirely creeping. Leaves opposite, ovate. Flowers blue.
Found in lawns in some areas. A number of other similar species
are found locally in the region.
