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Veronica serpyllifolia
Veronica serpyllifolia L.
Thymeleaf Speedwell, Thyme-leaf Speedwell
Scrophulariaceae (Figwort Family)
Synonym(s):
USDA Symbol: VESE
USDA Native Status: L48 (NI), AK (NI), HI (I), CAN (NI), GL (I), SPM (I)
A mat-forming plant bearing short, erect, narrow clusters of white or pale blue flowers with darker stripes arising from creeping stems.
This small plant, one variety naturalized from Europe, is often found in lawns. Its leaves resemble those of thyme, hence its common name. The variety humifusa, a North American native found from Ontario east to Newfoundland and south to Massachusetts and Minnesota, is distinguished by its bright blue flowers. The genus name is thought to be derived from the Latin vera ("true") and the Greek eicon ("image"), alluding to the legend that the true image of Christ was received by Saint Veronica, for whom the genus was named.
Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Herb
Fruit Type: Capsule
Size Notes: Stems ascending, up to about 30 inches long.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: White , BlueBloom Time: Apr , May , Jun , Jul
Distribution
USA: AK , AL , AR , AZ , CA , CO , CT , DC , DE , GA , HI , IA , ID , IL , IN , KS , KY , MA , MD , ME , MI , MN , MO , MT , NC , ND , NE , NH , NJ , NM , NV , NY , OH , OR , PA , RI , SC , TN , UT , VA , VT , WA , WI , WV , WYCanada: NB , NS
Native Distribution: Alberta and Saskatchewan; Ontario to Newfoundland, south to Georgia, west to Arkansas, north to Kansas and North Dakota.
Native Habitat: Roadsides, meadows, damp open woods, and lawns.
Growing Conditions
Soil Moisture: MoistBenefit
Conspicuous Flowers: yesNational Wetland Indicator Status
Region: | AGCP | AK | AW | CB | EMP | GP | HI | MW | NCNE | WMVE |
Status: | FAC | OBL | FAC | FAC | OBL | FAC | FACW | FAC | FAC |
Web Reference
Webref 30 - Calflora (2018) CalfloraWebref 38 - Flora of North America (2019) Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis, MO & Harvard University Herbaria, Cambridge, MA.
Webref 23 - Southwest Environmental Information Network (2009) SEINet - Arizona Chapter
Additional resources
USDA: Find Veronica serpyllifolia in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Veronica serpyllifolia in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Veronica serpyllifolia
Metadata
Record Modified: 2025-03-31Research By: TWC Staff