Veronica serpyllifolia L.
Thyme Leaved Speedwell
Thyme-leaved Speedwell is a small, creeping native perennial of grassy and damp places throughout Britain. It forms low mats from rooting stems clothed in pairs of tidy, oval, untoothed leaves that recall those of wild thyme and give the plant its name.
About
Thyme-leaved Speedwell is a small, creeping native perennial of grassy and damp places throughout Britain. It forms low mats from rooting stems clothed in pairs of tidy, oval, untoothed leaves that recall those of wild thyme and give the plant its name. In the flowering season the stem tips turn upward into slender, leafy spikes of dainty flowers, usually pale washed-blue to almost white and marked with darker veins, each only a few millimetres across.
Undemanding and easily overlooked, it grows in lawns, short turf, woodland rides, path edges, streamsides and other moist, open ground on a range of soils in sun or part shade. It flowers from spring through summer, providing modest amounts of nectar and pollen for small bees and flies. Tolerant of mowing and trampling, it suits low, species-rich lawns and the shorter, damper components of native grassland and meadow mixes rather than tall borders.
Also known as
Thyme Speedwell · Thyme-leaf Speedwell · Thyme-leaved Speedwell · Thymeleaf Speedwell · Turf speedwell
Synonyms
Cardia multiflora · Veronica alpestris · Veronica apennina · Veronica bolivari · Veronica bungabecca · Veronica capensis · Veronica funesta · Veronica humifusa · Veronica integerrima · Veronica longistyla · Veronica macrocalyx · Veronica major
Beta — under active development. This catalogue is still being built and accuracy-checked. The information here (including plant identifications, British native status, soil and sun/shade preferences) is provided in good faith for general guidance only and may contain errors or omissions. It must not be relied upon on its own — please confirm details with us before making planting, specification, foraging or purchasing decisions, and never eat or medicinally use any plant based on this catalogue alone, as some species are toxic. To the extent permitted by law, Phoenix Amenity Supplies accepts no liability for any loss arising from use of this information.