Gray field speedwell
Veronica politafam. Lamiaceae
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Pl. 8B0F — Veronica polita
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IOverview
Overview
Gray field speedwell (Veronica polita) is a member of the Lamiaceae family and is native to a wide range of regions, including Albania, Algeria, Austria, and Belgium, extending from Europe to Asia. This plant is known for its edible and medicinal properties, making it a versatile addition to various applications. Gray field speedwell typically grows as an annual herb, reaching a height of 0.3 meters, with a forb/herb growth habit. The leaves are the primary edible part, often used in salads or added to soups and stews for flavoring. This plant thrives in soils ranging from light (sandy) to heavy (clay), with a pH between 7.5 and 8, making it adaptable to various growing conditions. Gray field speedwell is drought-tolerant but prefers moist conditions, making it suitable for areas with moderate rainfall. This annual plant can be propagated by seed and requires full sun to partial shade for optimal growth.
Quick answers
What is Gray field speedwell?
Gray field speedwell (Veronica polita) is a member of the Lamiaceae family and is native to a wide range of regions, including Albania, Algeria, Austria, and Belgium, extending from Europe to Asia. This plant is known for its edible and medicinal properties, making it a versatile addition to various applications.
IV·bMixology suggestions
2 drafts
Mixology suggestions
2 draftsEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Digestive Ease
digestiontincture
Historically used for digestive issues.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Gray field speedwell thrives in moist, light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soil, with a pH of 7.5–8. It prefers partial to full sun and is an annual forb or herb, growing to a height of 0.3 meters. For cultivation, ensure the soil is well-draining and slightly alkaline. Propagate via seeds, as it is an annual. Water regularly to maintain moist soil conditions. Given its native range across Europe, Asia, and North Africa, it is generally hardy in temperate regions. Harvest the edible leaves for use.
Light
7/10
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Life cycle
Annual
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.3 m tall
Soil pH
7.5–8
Seasonal calendar
Northern hemisphere · UTC month is November
winterspringsummerautumnwinter
BloomJFMAMJJASOND
For first-time growers
How to grow Gray field speedwell for the first time
8steps
Gray field speedwell is a low-maintenance annual plant that's perfect for beginners.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds, small pots or direct garden space, potting soil.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost, or start seeds indoors a month before planting outdoors.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil with a pH of 7.5–8. Ensure containers have drainage holes if using pots.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Start seeds indoors in small pots, then transplant seedlings outdoors when they are about 2 inches tall and the weather is warm.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Place in a sunny spot after acclimating outdoor plants.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun, regular watering, and occasional light fertilization with compost tea. Pinch back flowers to encourage bushiness.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune spent blooms to promote more flowering and maintain a neat appearance. Remove any yellowing leaves as needed.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in too shady of a spot, not providing enough nutrients, neglecting to prune for bushiness.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Leaves
Edible uses: The gray field speedwell's leaves are edible and can be eaten raw or cooked. Typically, they are prepared in salads for a fresh taste or added to soups and stews for flavoring. The plant thrives in light, medium, and heavy soils with a pH of 7.5–8, making it adaptable to various growing conditions.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
66 native · 46 introduced
Distribution
66 native · 46 introducedDistribution across4 continents· 66 native· 46 introduced
Europe26 regions
native (25)AlbaniaAustriaBelarusBelgiumBulgariaCyprusDenmarkFinlandFranceGermanyGreeceHungaryIrelandItalyNetherlandsNorwayPolandPortugalRomaniaRussiaSpainSwedenSwitzerlandUkraineUnited Kingdom
introduced (1)Portugal
Asia16 regions
native (13)IranIraqJapanKazakhstanOmanPakistanPalestineSaudi ArabiaSouth KoreaTurkeyTurkmenistanUzbekistanYemen
introduced (3)ChinaIndiaTaiwan
Americas2 regions
introduced (2)PeruUruguay
Africa6 regions
native (6)AlgeriaEgyptLibyaMoroccoSomaliaTunisia
Broader regions
native:Baltic States, Czechoslovakia, East Aegean Is., Kirgizstan, Kriti, Lebanon-Syria, Nansei-shoto, Tadzhikistan, Transcaucasus, Turkey-in-Europe, West Himalaya, Yugoslavia
introduced:Alabama, Argentina Northeast, Arizona, Arkansas, Brazil South, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Manitoba, Maryland, Masachusettes, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, New Brunswick, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Ontario, Pennsylvania, Socotra, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin
XSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Lamiaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Lamiaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
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Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
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