Germander Speedwell is a
native
perennial plant of the UK, typically found growing in woodland, grassland and hedgerows, to a mature height of up to 50cm.
Germander Speedwell has conspicuous flowers with intense-blue, shallowly-pointed unevenly-sized petals. The centre of each flower is white, giving rise to the alternative common name 'Bird's Eye Speedwell'. The species is characterised by the presence of two lines of hairs on the stem, on opposing sides.
Botanic classification and naming: Germander Speedwell is a member of the Plantain (Plantaginaceae) family. The genus name
'Veronica' identifies the plant as a Speedwell and its species name 'chamaedrys' means 'ground plant'.
Concerns: Can spread quickly in lawns if unchecked.
Benefits: Germander Speedwell provides nectar for solitary bees and the plant is a food source for caterpillars of the Heath Fritillary butterfly.
Benefits to wildlife are also indicated with orange icons in the plant profile bar at the top.
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