Also known as bird’s-eye speedwell, and cat’s eyes, this herbaceous perennial is native to Europe where it is found in meadows, hedgerows, and open deciduous woodlands. It is a member of the plantain family, Plantaginaceae, that also includes foxglove, snapdragon and Angelonia. The plant grows up to 8″ tall but is usually shorter and has stems that have fine white hairs on opposite sides. The oval leaves are sessile, and have deeply toothed margins . From spring into summer, blue (occasionally mauve or pale violet) flowers appear. Each flower is 3-4″ across and has a white center surrounded by 4 petals with dark blue radial lines. The plants can become weedy if they invade a lawn. They spread by producing roots at the stem nodes and regenerate from stems even when the leaves are gone. In the past, the leaves have been valued for making an expectorant teas for treating bronchial congestion and asthma. The genus name, Veronica, honors Saint Veronica who is said to have given a handkerchief to Jesus on his way to Calvary so he could wipe sweat from his face. The specific epithet, chamaedrys, is from the Greek words χαμαi (chamai) meaning on the ground, and δρῦς (drys) meaning oak, and refers to the habit of the plant and the supposed resemblance of its leaves to oak leaves.

Type: Herbaceous perennial

Bloom: Blue to mauve or pale violet flowers with 4 petals from spring into summer

Size: Up to 8″ tall

Light: Full sun to part sun

Soil: Average, medium moist, well-drained; does not tolerate drought

Hardiness: Zones 3-7

Care: Prune back after flowering to promote new growth

Pests and Diseases: None of significance

Propagation: Seed, stem fragments, division

Companion Plants: Tickseed, common daisy, tulips

Photo Credit: Wikipedia