Herb: Common Speedwell


Latin name: Veronica officinalis


Family: Scrophulariaceae (Figwort Family)



Medicinal use of Common Speedwell:

The leaves and roots are alterative, astringent, mildly diuretic, mildly expectorant, stomachic and tonic. They have been employed in the treatment of pectoral and nephritic complaints, haemorrhages, skin diseases and the treatment of wounds, though the plant is considered to be obsolete in modern herbalism. The leaves are harvested in the summer and dried for later use.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Perennial


Height:
10 cm
(4 inches)

Flowering:
May to
August

Habitat of the herb:

Heaths, moors, grassland, dry hedgebanks and coppices, often on dry soils.

Edible parts of Common Speedwell:

A bitter tangy tea is made from the fresh flowering herb or the dried leaves. The dried leaves can be added to tea blends.

Propagation of the herb:

Seed - sow autumn in a cold frame. 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 quantity, the seed can be sown in situ in the autumn or the spring. Division in autumn or spring. 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.

Cultivation of Common Speedwell:

Heaths, moors, grassland, dry hedgebanks and coppices, often on dry soils.

Known hazards of Veronica officinalis:

None known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.