MSU Extension Integrated Pest Management

Veronica arvensis L. Scrophulariaceae (Figwort family)

Life cycle

Prostrate, spreading winter annual.

Corn speedwell plants.

Leaves

Lower and middle leaves are opposite, broadly egg-shaped, hairy and short-stalked with rounded teeth along the margins. Small, narrow, bract-like upper leaves are alternate and without petioles.

Size of lower (left) and upper (right) leaves of corn speedwell.

Stems

Prostrate and mat-forming, with many branches that spread from the base.

Corn speedwell flowering stem.

Flowers and fruit

Light blue to violet, inconspicuous flowers are formed in the axils of the upper bractlike leaves on elongated flowering stems. Fruit are hairy, roundly heart-shaped capsules that contain many tiny, yellowish seeds.

Reproduction

Seeds.

Similar weeds

Purslane speedwell (Veronica peregrina L.)
Differs by having a more erect habit; hairless, oblong to linear leaves with smooth to slightly toothed margins; and tiny white flowers.

  
Purslane speedwell stem (left) and plant (right).

 
Purslane speedwell flowers (left) and capsules (right).

Slender speedwell (Veronica filiformis Sm.)
Differs by having a perennial nature with stems that root at the nodes, round to kidneyshaped leaves and bluish white flowers on slender flower stalks.

 
Slender speedwell stem (left) and foliage (right).

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