Thicket/ Thyme-leaved Speedwell

COMMON NAME: Thyme-Leaved Speedwell

OTHER COMMON NAME(S): Smooth Speedwell, Spiked Speedwell

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Veronica serpyllifolia

FAMILY: Scrophulariaceae

COMMUNITY: Thicket

STATUS: Native   

LIFESPAN: Perennial

HEIGHT: 4 to 12 inches

FLOWERING TIME: Late April to July, some to October

FRUITING TIME: June to late July

DISTRIBUTION: Statewide outside the Pine Barrens

IDENTIFYING CHARACTERISTICS: Rhizomatous ~ Creeping or prostrate lower branches ~ Leaves opposite, rounded, slightly toothed, similar to the edible spice “Thyme” ~ Flowers in elongated terminal groups, hairy, lobed, small, white

GENERAL INFORMATION: This family (Scrophulariaceae) commonly called the Figwort or Snapdragon Family consists of 224 genera and 4,450 species of herbs and a few shrubs and trees.  Members of this family are cultivated as ornamentals including Snapdragons, Slipper-Flowers and Empress-Tree. The name of this genus (Veronica) has been attributed to Saint Veronica, the woman who wiped Jesus’s face when he fell while carrying the cross on the road to Calvary, and her towel preserved the  image of His face. The name “Speedwell”  is said to be derived from the characteristic of these plants grow by the waysides and quickly spread. Thyme-Leaved Speedwell can be found on moist, open, disturbed ground of waste places, lawns, roadsides, fields, wood edges, and meadows. In 1853 Thoreau wrote that on May 24 “The smooth speedwell is in its prime now, whitening the sides of the back road, above the Swamp Bridge and front of Hubbard’s. Its sweet pansy-like face looks up on all sides.  This and Myosotis laxa are the two most beautiful little flowers yet”.

Please note: While harvesting wild berries/fruit is permitted at Island Beach State Park, visitors must adhere to park regulations at all times and must not damage vegetation or go off designated trails.  This information is presented for educational purposes.