ivyleaf speedwell
Family
ScrophulariaceaeScientific Name
Veronica hederifoliaHabit
A low growing or prostrate succulent plant with loosely ascending branched stems that radiate from the base of the plant. Seeds typically germinate in fall and seedlings branch at the base quickly forming a dense mat. Most flowers are produced in late spring but flowering continues into August.
Leaves
Lower leaves are opposite and upper leaves are alternate. Leaves have hairs and are ivy-shaped usually three to five lobed and palmately veined. Leaves are on relatively long stalks (> 2mm). Upper leaves tend to be smaller but of similar shape as lower leaves.
Identifying Characteristics
Upper leaves are usually smaller than lower leaves. Seed pods are four-chambered unlike the flat two-chambered fruit of other speedwells. Leaves are ivy shaped. Flowers are tiny and on long stalks.
Flower Seed Head
Flowers are tiny (2 to 4 mm wide) and borne on long stalks ( 2 mm) arising from the leaf axils on the upper portion of the erect flowering stem. Flowers are pale blue to white.
Seed Fruit
Fruit is a small (5 to 8 mm long) four-chambered sparsely hairy pod.
Where Found
Plants grow in lawns, ornamental areas, and winter grain crops. You can also find the plants in open waste places or home gardens but they do not thrive in areas where regular spring tillage is practiced. Plants may be found in many conditions but are best adapted to dry or sandy soils and shady lawns.
Growth Habit
Varies:
upright and nonwoody,
prostrate and nonwoody
Thorns or Spines
not present
Approximate Flower Diameter
pencil
Dominant Flower Color
Varies:
white,
blue,
purple
Flower Symmetry
bilateral symmetry
Leaf Hairs
has hairs
Leaf Shape
Varies:
round,
oval
Leaf Arrangement
Varies:
alternate,
opposite
Leaf Margin
Varies:
entire,
lobed,
serrated
Leaf Structure
simple
Leaf Stalk
Varies:
none,
shorter than leaf,
longer than leaf
Stem Hairs
has hairs
Stem Cross Section
round or oval
Milky Sap
not present
Root Structure
fibrous
Life Cycle
winter annual
Ochrea
not present
Plant Type
Herb