Veronica filiformis

Slender Speedwell, threadstalk speedwell, creeping speedwell, creeping veronica, Whetzel weed

Description: perennial herb

Place of origin: Europe, temperate Asia

Urban habitat: commonly found in lawns, parks, gardens, along roadsides; tolerates a wide variety of soil types.

Ecological function: disturbance-adapted colonizer; food for wildlife.

History: A native of northern Turkey, Veronica filiformis was introduced to the UK in 1808 as a rock garden plant and was brought to eastern North America as an ornamental in the 1920’s and has spread to other parts of the US. It continues to be cultivated and used in gardens as a ground cover. In Ireland, the plant was thought to bring good luck and was sewn into the clothing of travelers.