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Water speedwell

Veronica anagallis-aquatica L.

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Water speedwell
Water speedwell
Water speedwell leaves
Water speedwell
Water speedwell inflorescence
Water speedwell
Water speedwell flower

Morphology

Stem
Erect, ascending or decumbent, stout, simple or much-branched, glabrous or sometimes minutely glandular-hairy in inflorescence.
Leaves
Opposite, simple, mostly sessile and clasping, broadly lanceolate to ovate, 1 to 3 inches long, .25 to 1.5 inch wide, glabrous, fleshy; margins toothed or entire; tips pointed.
Inflorescence
Racemes, 2 to 5 inches long, 30-60-flowered, in leaf axils; bracts reduced, lanceolate to linear.
Flower
Weakly 2-lipped; stalks about 1/4 inch long, ascending or upcurved; calyces deeply 4-parted, segments broadly lanceolate; corollas 1/5 to 2/5 inch wide, irregularly 4-lobed, blue or pale violet with darker purplish lines; stamens 2, each with 2 equal, somewhat parallel anther cells.
Fruit
Capsules, 2-lobed, slightly longer than wide; seeds tiny, numerous.

Ecology

Habitat
Stream banks, wet meadows, and in water of springs and slow-flowing streams.
Distribution
Throughout Kansas.

Additional Notes

Comments

Naturalized aquatic plant found throughout most of the U.S.

Quick Facts
Plant Type
Wildflower
Family
Scrophulariaceae - Figwort Family
Life Span
Perennial
Height
4-36 inches
Last Updated
2018-02-23
Color Groups
Blue, Purple, Lavender & Violet Wildflowers
Flowering Period
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Blooms: May, June, July, August, September