Marsh Speedwell
Veronica scutellatafam. Lamiaceae
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Pl. EBD8 — Veronica scutellata
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IOverview
Overview
Marsh Speedwell (Veronica scutellata) is a perennial herb belonging to the Lamiaceae family, native to a wide range of regions including Alaska, Alberta, and Illinois, as well as parts of Europe and Asia. This plant thrives in diverse habitats, particularly in areas with light, medium, or heavy soil types and a slightly acidic pH between 4.5 and 5. Marsh Speedwell is known for its edible leaves, which can be consumed raw or cooked, adding a mild, fresh flavor to salads or steamed dishes. The plant also has documented medicinal uses, making it a valuable addition to gardens for both culinary and therapeutic purposes. Marsh Speedwell prefers moist conditions and moderate sunlight, with a light energy requirement of 8/10. It grows up to 0.1 meters tall and is hardy in zones 5-9. Cultivation in moist, well-drained soil is recommended for optimal growth. While it is native to many regions, it has also been introduced to Tasmania.
Quick answers
What is Marsh Speedwell?
Marsh Speedwell (Veronica scutellata) is a perennial herb belonging to the Lamiaceae family, native to a wide range of regions including Alaska, Alberta, and Illinois, as well as parts of Europe and Asia.
IV·bMixology suggestions
1 draft
Mixology suggestions
1 draftEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Wetland Harmony
skintincture
Used traditionally for skin conditions.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Marsh Speedwell thrives in moist conditions and prefers light to heavy soils, with a preference for sandy or clay textures. It is hardy in temperate regions (zones 5-9) and can grow up to 0.1 meters tall. This perennial plant requires moderate sunlight, with an energy requirement of 8/10. For best results, maintain consistently moist soil and ensure good drainage. Propagate through division or seed sowing. Harvest the leaves for culinary use in temperate regions where it is native.
Light
8/10
Water
Wet, Water
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
5-9
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.1 m tall
Soil pH
4.5–5
For first-time growers
How to grow Marsh Speedwell for the first time
8steps
Start with planting Marsh Speedwell in a well-draining, slightly acidic soil for your first gardening experience.
- 1
What you'll need
Marsh Speedwell seeds or small plants, garden gloves, trowel.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or fall before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Prepare soil with a pH of 4.5–5, ensuring it's light (sandy), medium, or heavy clay. Use containers at least 6 inches deep.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds in the garden or start them indoors and transplant after danger of frost passes.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Avoid direct sun for a few days after planting.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide partial shade, especially in hot climates. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune to maintain shape and remove dead leaves as needed. Harvest young leaves for culinary use.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in full sun, neglecting regular pruning.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Leaves
Edible uses: The leaves of Marsh Speedwell are edible and can be consumed raw or cooked. They are typically prepared in salads for a light addition or steamed as a vegetable. Given the plant's preference for wet, waterlogged soils, it is best to harvest the leaves from areas with similar conditions. The leaves have a mild flavor and can add a fresh taste to various dishes.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
100 native · 1 introduced
Distribution
100 native · 1 introducedDistribution across4 continents· 100 native· 1 introduced
Europe25 regions
native (25)AlbaniaAustriaBelarusBelgiumBulgariaDenmarkFinlandFranceGermanyGreeceHungaryIcelandIrelandItalyNetherlandsNorwayPolandPortugalRomaniaRussiaSpainSwedenSwitzerlandUkraineUnited Kingdom
Asia3 regions
native (3)KazakhstanMongoliaTurkey
Americas1 region
native (1)United States
Africa1 region
native (1)Algeria
Broader regions
native:Alberta, Altay, Arizona, Baltic States, British Columbia, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Czechoslovakia, District of Columbia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Irkutsk, Khabarovsk, Krasnoyarsk, Kuril Is., Labrador, Louisiana, Maine, Manitoba, Maryland, Masachusettes, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nevada, New Brunswick, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Newfoundland, North Carolina, North Dakota, Northwest Territorie, Nova Scotia, Nunavut, Ohio, Ontario, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Primorye, Prince Edward I., Québec, Rhode I., Sakhalin, Saskatchewan, Tennessee, Transcaucasus, Turkey-in-Europe, Tuva, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming, Yakutskiya, Yugoslavia, Yukon
introduced:Tasmania
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
Explore further
Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
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