The Speedwells
What are they?
Speedwells were formerly considered members of the Scrophulariaceae (Figwort) family, but are now considered to be related to the plantains. Speedwells come in two main forms; prostrate plants with flowers carried singly in the leaf axils or more upright, with flowers carried in spikes at the ends of the stems. Both forms occur around Cape May and most species here are introduced aliens, principally from Europe.
Where are they found?
Most introduced species are prostrate annuals of disturbed ground in gardens and farm fields. Other species are mostly found in wetland habitats.
Identification
The species around Cape May are mostly easy to identify on flower alone, but it is always worth noting leaf shape and presence or absence of hairs too.
Heath Speedwell Veronica officinalis
(Common Speedwell) Introduced from Europe and occasionally found in shady grassland and semi-wooded areas. Flowers May to June. Differs from other speedwells in its rounded, hairy leaves and very hairy stems.
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Thyme-leaved Speedwell Veronica serpyllifolia
Native in the USA north of our area but here introduced from Europe. Frequent in old lawns, roadsides, open woodland and other grassy places. Flowers April to July, sometimes later. Easily identified by its hairless stems and leaves and the whitish flowers with deep lilac-blue veins.
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Purslane Speedwell Veronica peregrina
A native species, found in all manner of habitats from damp meadows and roadsides to arable fields and gardens. Flowers April to June. A hairless species with white flowers, looking very different to other speedwells.
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Wall Speedwell Veronica arvensis
(Corn Speedwell)Introduced from Europe. An annual weed of all types of disturbed and cultivated ground as well as in detritus on walls and pavement cracks. Flowers April to July. A small species with tiny flowers, often easily overlooked. All four petals bright blue.
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Fingered Speedwell Veronica triphyllos
Introduced from Europe. First recorded in New Jersey in Cape May County, in 2013. May appear elsewhere as a short-lived annual of disturbed ground. Flowers April to May. Flowers deep blue. Leaves deeply lobed with the upper ones often reduced to a series of three or four, finger-like lobes which give the species both its English and scientific names.
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Gray Field Speedwell Veronica polita
Introduced from Europe. A local weed of yards, roadsides and disturbed places, only recently recorded in Cape May County. Flowers March to May. Flowers variable in color but usually paler than those of other field speedwells and smaller than those of Common Field Speedwell. Lower leaves are wider than long. Best identified by the seed capsule which has the two lobes only narrowly diverging from each other and covered in both straight and curled hairs.
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Common Field Speedwell Veronica persica
(Persian Speedwell) An abundant weed of all manner of grassy and disturbed ground. Particularly common in bare patches in lawns after hard winters. Can be found in flower in all but the coldest weather, but peaks in late April and May. The lower, smallest petal is paler than the other three, often almost white. The seed capsule has the two lobes widely diverging from each other and has only a few scattered hairs on it.
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Ivy-leaved Speedwell Veronica hederifolia
Very common as a garden and arable weed as well as in light woodland. Flowers March to May. A low, creeping species with tiny flowers of pale lilac.
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in full sun |