Veronica verna

Annuals. Stems erect or ascending, (1–)3–15(–20) cm, at least distally glandular- and eglandular-hairy. Leaves: blade lanceolate to ovate, (4–)6–13 × (2.5–)4–10 mm, 1.3–1.6 times as long as wide, base cuneate, proximal margins coarsely crenate-serrate, distal pinnatifid to subpalmatifid, lobes 3–7, central largest, lateral linear to lanceolate, apex of central lobe obtuse, lateral ± acute, surfaces sparsely glandular-hairy. Racemes 1–3, terminal and axillary, 20–80 mm, (5–)15–40(–60)-flowered, axis eglandular- and glandular-hairy; bracts proximalmost often 3-fid, others linear-lanceolate, 3–5(–8) mm. Pedicels erect, (0.4–)1–3 mm, shorter than subtending bract, length 1/3–1/2 times calyx, eglandular- and glandular-hairy. Flowers: calyx lobes (2–)3–5(–7) mm, apex acute, eglandular- and glandular-hairy; corolla sky to pale blue, 1.5–3 mm diam.; stamens 0.2–0.6 mm; style 0.2–0.6 mm, stigma white. Capsules compressed in cross section, obcordiform, 2.5–3.5 × 3.5–5 mm, apex emarginate, eglandular-hairy. Seeds 8–20(–26), yellowish, ellipsoid, flat, 0.9–1.6 × 0.6–1.3 mm, 0.2 mm thick, smooth to ± rugulose. 2n = 16 (Eurasia).

Phenology: Flowering (Mar–)Apr–Jun(–Aug).
Habitat: Open pine and oak forests, rocky and sandy steppes, pastures, meadows.
Elevation: 300–2600 m.

B.C., N.B., N.S., Ont., P.E.I., Idaho, Ind., Mass., Mich., Minn., Mont., N.Y., Oreg., Wash., Wis., Wyo., Eurasia.

Discussion

Specimens of Veronica verna from Alberta have not been verified.

Selected References

None.

Lower Taxa