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Bransford, W.D. and Dolphia

Veronica cusickii

Veronica cusickii A. Gray

Cusick's Speedwell

Scrophulariaceae (Figwort Family)

Synonym(s):

USDA Symbol: vecu

USDA Native Status: L48 (N), CAN (N)

This small speedwell can form large patches from its rhizome system. Deep violet-blue, four-petaled flowers with two conspicuous stamens crowd the upper part of the erect, 3-12 in. stalks. Leaves are opposite and oval, usually pointed upward.

This perky little wildflower is common along mountain trails. The structure of flowers and leafy stems is distinctive. In other Veronica species, some of which are weeds in lawns or ditches, the corolla varies from nearly white to clear blue.

From the Image Gallery

2 photo(s) available in the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Herb
Inflorescence: Raceme
Fruit Type: Capsule
Size Notes: Up to about 1 foot tall.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: White , Blue , Violet
Bloom Time: Jun , Jul , Aug
Bloom Notes: Deep blue-violet, rarely white.

Distribution

USA: CA , ID , MT , OR , WA
Canada: BC
Native Distribution: Mts. of WA, n.e. OR, n. & c. ID & w. MT
Native Habitat: Moist, open, rocky slopes; stream banks; meadows

Growing Conditions

Light Requirement: Sun
Soil Moisture: Wet
Soil Description: Moist to mesic soils.
Conditions Comments: Will not do well out of its native high elevation habitats.

Propagation

Description: Seeds germinate well. Division is another propagation method.
Commercially Avail: yes

National Wetland Indicator Status

Region:	AGCP	AK	AW	CB	EMP	GP	HI	MW	NCNE	WMVE
Status:			FAC							FAC

This information is derived from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers National Wetland Plant List, Version 3.1 (Lichvar, R.W. 2013. The National Wetland Plant List: 2013 wetland ratings. Phytoneuron 2013-49: 1-241). Click here for map of regions.

Web Reference

Webref 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 cusickii in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Veronica cusickii in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Veronica cusickii

Metadata

Record Modified: 2023-03-01
Research By: TWC Staff

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