Page 115 - The Forager’s Guide to Wild Foods
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Speedwell, Veronica spp.
(PLANTAGINACEAE)
V. persica
V. americana
Rob Routledge, CC-BY-3.0
VERONICA is the largest genus in the Speedwell/ leaf axils. V. americana - single flowers emerge in small
Plantain family (it was formerly in the Figwort fam- clusters from leaf axils. They have 5 round periwin-
ily). Veronica comprises approximately 500 species kle petals with dark vertical lines. Petals are colored
and is also called Speedwell, Gypsyweed, and Bird’s white at their bases and form a central circle.
Eye. They are herbaceous annuals or perennials that LEAF: V. persica - Broadly ovate leaves 0.2-1 inch (5-
grow as plants, sub-shrubs, and even shrubs, de- 25mm) long have coarsely serrated edges and a 0.03-
pending on the species. Gypsyweed plants vary with
0.3 inches (1-8mm) long petiole. Leaves are paired on
a range of sizes from 0.5-35 ft. (0.15-10m) tall with
lower stem and alternate on upper stem. V. americana
4-20 inches (10-50cm) spread. They spread using ad- - Lanceolate, serrate leaves are opposite with short
ventitious roots that spout at their nodes. Two com- petioles on a square stem.
mon species are listed below. Persian Speedwell,
EDIBLE PARTS: young shoots and stems
V. persica, is an edible, creeping perennial Native to
KEY MEDICINAL USES: Leaves are expectorant. Older
Europe and Asia; naturalized to North America, and
grows 4-12 inches (10-30cm) in height. American leaves are used to treat bronchial symptoms caused
Speedwell, V. americana is an herbaceous peren- by asthma and allergies.
nial with bright green, glabrous stems and foliage HOW TO HARVEST AND EAT: Harvest very young,
and small periwinkle flowers blooming on axillary tender V. persica and V. americana leaves. They have a
racemes. It grows 4-20 inches (10-50cm) in height. similar flavor to watercress. Use raw in salad, or as a
FLOWER: V. persica - single flowers measuring 0.3- flavoring in soups and stews.
0.5 inches (0.8-1.3cm) in diameter, with 4 round, peri- GYPSYWEED SALAD WITH MIXED WILD GREEN:
winkle petals and dark purple vertical lines. Petals are Mix a handful of V. persica and V. americana, Purslane,
colored light yellow at their bases and form a central and Miner’s Lettuce into a bowl. Dress with oil and
circle. Flowers are on long peduncles, emerging from vinegar of your choice. Season to taste.
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