Veronica triloba

Annuals. Stems decumbent, (5–)10–30 cm, ± eglandular-hairy. Leaves: blade broadly ovate to suborbiculate, 3(–5)-lobed, central lobe 1/4–1/2 times length of whole leaf, (3–)5–10(–15) × (4–)6–12(–18) mm, ± fleshy, base truncate to subcordate, margins 3(–5)-lobed, apex acute, surfaces sparsely eglandular-hairy. Racemes 1–10, terminal, (50–)100–300 mm, 5–20-flowered, axis sparsely eglandular-hairy; bracts broadly ovate to suborbiculate, 3(–5)-lobed, (3–)5–10(–15) mm. Pedicels patent, deflexed in fruit, (2–)4–8(–10) mm, shorter than subtending bract, length 1–2 times calyx, glabrous abaxially, hairy adaxially. Flowers: calyx lobes 4–5(–6) mm, apex acute, puberulent on abaxial surface, rarely glabrous, densely ciliate with 35–60 per side; corolla deep blue with white center, 3–5 mm diam.; stamens dark blue, length unknown; style 0.5–0.9(–1.1) mm. Capsules ± round in cross section, ovoid, 2.5–3(–3.5) × 4–5 mm, apex ± emarginate, glabrous. Seeds (1–)4, dull yellowish brown, ellipsoid, often elongate-cuboidal, deeply urn-shaped (elaiosome inside), 2.2–2.8 × 1.5–2.2 mm, 1–1.4 mm thick, cristate to strongly rugose at margins. 2n = 18 (Eurasia).

Phenology: Flowering (Feb–)Mar–May(–Jun).
Habitat: Disturbed sites.
Elevation: 100–200 m.

Calif., Ohio, Europe (Balkans), Asia (Turkey).

Discussion

Veronica triloba is known in the flora area from three recent collections in California and Ohio; it is possibly more widespread than reported here. It is closely related to V. hederifolia.

Selected References

None.

Lower Taxa