Veronica anagallis-aquatica - Water Speedwell

Family:	Scrophulariaceae
Habit:	Perennial
Height:	0.3
Synonyms:	V. anagallis.
Range:	Europe, including Britain, from Norway south and east to N. Africa, temperate Asia to Japan.

Veronica anagallis-aquatica (Water Speedwell) is a Perennial which grows to a height of 0.3m . It has a hardness rating of 0and is vunerable to frost.
Water Speedwell will flower in December to February. The flowers from this plant are hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and they are pollinated by Flies, self

Soil Information

Water Speedwell will grow in light (sandy),medium (loamy),hard (clay) soil. It is not necessary for the soil to be well drained.
The soil prefers the following PH / acid levels :
- pH of less than 6, Acidic soils
- pH between 6 and 8, Neutral soils
- pH greater than 8, Basic soils
Water Speedwell prefers soils

Ideal Planting Locations

Water Speedwell should not be planted in shady areas.

Marshes, ditches, wet meadows, ponds and streams, avoiding acid conditions[1, 17].

Planting places suited to this plant described below.

• Is a pond plant
• A bog garden plant

Cultivation Details

Easily grown in a moderately fertile wet soil or in shallow water[1, 200]. Prefers cool summers[200]. Plants are occasionally cultivated for their edible leaves in Japan[61].

Edible Uses*

* See disclaimer
Edible Rating: 2/5
Leaves - raw or cooked[46, 61]. Rich in vitamin C[2]. A subtle flavour[132], the leaves can be added to salads or used as a potherb[183]. When used in salads they go better with a lemon dressing than vinegar[183]. The leaves are often available in winter.

• Leaves -

Medicinal Uses*

* See disclaimer
Medicinal Rating: 2/5
The root and the leaves are alterative, appetizer and diuretic[218, 240]. The leaves are used in the treatment of scurvy, impurity of the blood etc[240]. The plant is bruised and applied externally as a poultice on burns, ulcers, whitlows, etc[240].

• Alterative - Causes a gradual beneficial change in the body, usually through improved nutrition and elimination, without having any marked specific action.
• Antiscorbutic - A plant rich in vitamin C that is used to counteract scurvy.
• Appetizer - Improves the appetite
• Diuretic - Acts on the kidneys, promoting the flow of urine.
• Poultice - A moist, usually warm or hot, mass of plant material applied to the skin in the treatment of burns etc.

Propagation

Seed - sow autumn in a cold frame[200]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer. If you have sufficient seed it can be grown in situ in the autumn or spring. Division in autumn or spring[200]. Very easy, larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found that it is best to pot up smaller divisions and grow them on in light shade in a greenhouse or cold frame until they are growing away well. Plant them out in the summer or the following spring. Cuttings of young shoots root easily in the growing season, merely put them in water.

Known Hazards

None known

Other Uses

None known

Cultivars

no recorded cultivars

References

Flora of the British Isles.
Clapham, Tootin and Warburg.
Author: Clapham, Tootin and Warburg.
Rating:
Publisher : A very comprehensive flora, the standard reference book but it has no pictures.
Date of Publication : 1962

DISCLAIMER: All information published on AussieGardening.com.au is for entertainment purposes only. Readers are encouraged to confirm the information contained here with other sources. The information is not intended to replace medical advice offered by doctors or dietary advice by dieticians. AussieGardening.com.au will not be liable for any direct, indirect, consequential, special, exemplary, or other damages arising therefrom.