Germander speedwell is an unknown wild herb for many people, but no less interesting. Powerful active ingredients slumber behind its pretty facade of flowers. We can tell you that and much more about the plant that migrated from western Asia.
Germander speedwell inspires with its beautiful blue flowers
Other names
Veronica chamaedrys is the botanical name for this plant. It belongs to the plantain family - Plantaginaceae. The vernacular has given it other names: eyebright, woman's bite, man's true, wild forget-me-not and thunderbolt.
origin and habitat
Originally, Germander Speedwell probably comes from West Asia. Today the plant is widespread throughout Europe. As a so-called neophyte, it is also conquering the American continent more and more.
Possible habitats are numerous in number. Germander Speedwell can be found in meadows and in sparse forests as well as under hedges, bushes and along roadsides. However, the plant needs to get enough sun for it to bloom. There are no flowers in the shade.
Germander speedwell can also settle uninvited in private gardens or even be deliberately cultivated there.
appearance and growth
- Lifespan: perennial/perennial
- Growth height: 10-35 cm.
- Flowers: about 10 mm wide, four blue petals, two white stamens
- Flowering period: May to August
- Leaves: green, 2 to 3 cm long, up to 3 cm wide, notched
- Fruits: Pods, triangular to heart-shaped
What is special about the flowers of this plant is their short lifespan. The flower has already withered two days after opening.
propagation
The capsule fruits of this wild plant open when wet and release their seeds. These are called raindrop migrants because they are spread by rainwater. Wind, ants and "coincidence" also have a share in the spread.
Vegetative propagation, on the other hand, takes place via underground foothills.
toxicity
Germander speedwell is not poisonous to us humans. Its flowers and leaves can even be eaten raw or cooked. They should be characterized by a mild taste.
healing effect
The healing properties of Germander Speedwell were well known in earlier times. Now that medicinal herbs are hardly used anymore, they have been almost completely forgotten. Of course, these ingredients are still there and are waiting to be rediscovered. They are particularly effective for:
- wound healing
- colds
- blood purification
- gastrointestinal problems
- metabolic problems