Ivy-leaved Speedwell (non-native, escapee)

Description:

Veronica hederifolia (V. hederaefolia is considered as a misspelled orthographic variant requiring correction) is yet another example of a misguidedly planted non-native species which has now escaped from cultivation and is starting to invade local foothills. It is shown here at a valley elevation closer no doubt to where it has been historically grown.Formerly uncomfortably included in the family Scrophulariaceae, the genus Veronica is now a part of the Plantaginaceae. While we have a few native species in this genus, most are introduced weeds.The flowers have only two stamens (which can be seen here) which is somewhat unusual. Strongly ciliate. The calyx is 4-merous. The anthers are blue. Leaves are opposite, shallowly tri-lobed, entire, petioled, with simple trichomes. April 10, 2013, Salt Lake County, Utah, approx. 4,340 ft. elev.