Veronica cymbalaria

Annuals. Stems decumbent to ascending, (5–)10–30 cm, sparsely subvillous to glabrate. Leaves: blade suborbiculate, 6–20 × 9–20 mm, base subcordate, truncate, or cuneate, margins 5–9-lobed 1/6–1/3 of width of blade, lateral lobes ± narrower, apex acute, surfaces eglandular-hairy, rarely also glandular-hairy or glabrate. Racemes 1–10, terminal, (50–)100–300 mm, 5–20-flowered, axis eglandular-hairy, rarely also glandular-hairy or glabrate; bracts suborbiculate, 6–20 mm, 5- to 9-lobed for 1/6–1/3 of width of leaf blade, lateral lobes ± narrower. Pedicels patent or recurved, 5–15(–30) mm, equal in flower to ± longer than subtending bract in fruit, eglandular- or glandular-pilose or glabrous. Flowers: calyx lobes erect-patent, (3–)4–5 mm, apex obtuse, abaxial surfaces eglandular- or glandular-hairy, rarely glabrous, not ciliate; corolla white, 6–12 mm diam.; stamens 1–2 mm; style 1–2 mm. Capsules ± round in cross section, ovoid to ellipsoid, 2.5–3.5 × 3.5–4.5 mm, apex ± emarginate, eglandular- or glandular-pilose. Seeds 1–4, brownish orange, subglobular, urn-shaped (elaiosome inside), (2–)2.5–3.1 × (1.7–)2–2.5(–2.8) mm, 1.1–1.7 mm thick, cristate. 2n = 36, 54 (Eurasia).

Phenology: Flowering Mar–May(–Jun).
Habitat: Lawns.
Elevation: 20 m.

Distribution

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Introduced; La., Eurasia (Mediterranean).

Discussion

The occurrence of Veronica cymbalaria in other states is possible. It has been reported from Maryland; a herbarium specimen could not be located. The report seems to be based on incorrect synonymy (C. Frye, pers. comm.).

Selected References

None.

Lower Taxa

None.