Wood Speedwell is a
native
perennial plant of the UK, typically found growing in woodlands and shaded hedgerows, to a mature height of up to 20cm.
Wood Speedwell flowers are similar in shape to those of Germander Speedwell, but the petals are much rounder. They are also a pale lilac or pale blue, instead of the intense blue of the Germander Speedwell. The leaves of the Wood Speedwell are coarsely-toothed like those of the Field Speedwell, but shallower and un-toothed towards the tip. The presence of established Wood Speedwell can be an indicator of ancient woodland.
Botanic classification and naming: Wood Speedwell is a member of the Plantain (Plantaginaceae) family. The genus name
'Veronica' identifies the plant as a Speedwell and its species name 'montana' means 'mountain plant'.
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