352B-3-Veronica-plebeia-RH.jpg

Veronica plebeia

Trailing Speedwell

Creeping or matting perennial herb, rooting at leaf nodes. Very short hairs scattered on stems, denser at leaf nodes.

Additional information

  • FamilyPlantaginaceae (revised from Scrophulariaceae)
  • StoreyLower storey
  • SizeProstrate x 2 m
  • Plant groupingHerbs & Groundcovers <1m
  • LeavesPairs of dark green triangular to heart-shaped leaves 8-20 mm x 5-16 mm, pairs of irregular pointed teeth on margins.
  • Flower colourViolet
  • Flowering timeSeptember to January
  • FlowersLoose clusters of 3-10 flowers on stalks to 35 mm in upper leaf axils. Capsules generally hairless.
  • Bird attractingNo
  • Butterfly attractingNo
  • Frog habitatNo
  • Growing conditionsMoist well drained soils in moist to dryish forests and woodlands. Tolerates light frosts. Full sun to full shade.
  • Garden useSmall matting plant with delicate violet flowers.
  • Commercially availableIndigenous nursery
  • Conservation statusLocally common within its preferred growing conditions
  • Related speciesSimilar to Veronica calycina which has larger, oval leaves with rounded teeth, stems have fine hairs to 2 mm, and capsules have hairy margins. Similar to the weed species Veronica arvensis which is an upright annual herb with stems densely covered in soft hairs.
Photographer/s: 1 Marilyn Bull ©; 2 Simone Orscheg ©; 3 Richard Hartland ©

Plant Communities

  • 12 Manna Gum Riparian Forest - Dandenongs (EVC 18)
  • 38 Yellow Box Valley Grassy Forest – Middle Yarra (EVC 47)
  • 26 Red Stringybark Grassy Dry Forest - Middle Yarra (EVC 22)
  • 17 Messmate Herb-rich Foothill Forest (EVC 23)
  • 34 Manna Gum Floodplain Riparian Woodland (EVC 56)
  • 08 Mountain Grey Gum Damp Forest – Dandenongs (EVC 29)
  • 28 Red Box Grassy Dry Forest - Christmas Hills (EVC 22)
  • 18 Messmate Shrubby Foothill Forest - Dandenongs (EVC 45)
  • 29 Green Scentbark Herb-rich Foothill Forest (EVC 23)
  • 33 Mountain Swamp Gum Swampy Riparian Woodland (EVC 83)
  • Page 1 of 1