Germander speedwell - Veronica chamaedrys

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Germander speedwell - Veronica chamaedrys
© Dr Chris Gibson/English Nature

Germander speedwell is a low growing, patch-forming, prostrate plant found in grassy areas and hedgerows. Its pretty blue flowers have a distinct white 'pupil' in the centre, giving it the country name of 'cat's eye'. It has triangular shaped leaves and hairy stems.

Speedwell looks good in a short-cut, flowery meadow. Raise the cutting level of the mower and refrain from using weedkiller or fertilisers. Keep grass short in early spring, allow speedwell to grow and flower from May. This plant will tolerate almost any soil from alkaline to slightly acid and heavy clay, dry and sandy soil.

This is a nectar source for solitary bees.

Animals

Bees and wasps

Foliage	Green
Flower	Blue, April to July
Moisture	(Dry)
Sunlight	(Full sun to Part-shade)
Origin	Native