Veronica Spicata, Spiked Speedwell



Common name:
Spiked speedwell
Scientific name:
Veronica spicata
Main flower color:
Range:
Scattered locations in Wales and England, including East Anglia, Bristol (Avon Gorge) and along the north Wales coast
Height:
Up to 60 cm
Habitat:
Calcareous cliffs, dunes and grassland
Flowers:
Blue-purple, with four narrow, spreading or recurved lobes, and two exserted stamens, which have relatively large anthers, attached at the centre. Flowers are produced in large numbers in a narrow, elongated, leafless cluster covering up to 10 cm at the top of the hairy stalk
Leaves:
Ovate and petiolate towards the base, becoming lanceolate and sessile above. Leaves may be slightly toothed
Season:
July to September
Rarity:
★★★★