Field Speedwell is a
non-native
annual plant of the UK, typically found growing in cropland and waste ground, to a mature height of up to 30cm.
Field Speedwell was introduced in the nineteenth century and is seen widely across the UK. It is self-fertile and so it can be seen flowering throughout the year. Field Speedwell flowers have a similar blue hue to those of the Germander Speedwell, but with less intensity of colour. The flower petals also form a 'squarer' appearance than seen in the Germander Speedwell. The leaves of both species have a 'delta' shape, but the leaf margins of the Field Speedwell are coarsely-toothed margins whereas those of the Germander Speedwell are shallowly-lobed.
Botanic classification and naming: Field Speedwell is a member of the Plantain (Plantaginaceae) family. The genus name
'Veronica' identifies the plant as a Speedwell and its species name 'persica' means 'peach-leaved plant'.
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