Alpine Speedwell, American Alpine Speedwell, Hairy Speedwell

Veronica wormskjoldii var. wormskjoldii

Synonyms: Veronica alpina, Veronica alpina var. alterniflora, Veronica alpina var. cascadensis, Veronica alpina var. geminiflora, Veronica alpina var. nutans, Veronica alpina var. terrae-novae, Veronica alpina var. unalaschcensis, Veronica nutans, Veronica stelleri var. glabrescens, Veronica wormskjoldii, Veronica wormskjoldii ssp. alterniflora

American alpine speedwell is a perennial wildflower with simple, erect stems (or curved from the base) arising from 7-30 cm high from a system of shallow rhizomes. The stems and leaves are sparsely to densely covered with hairs (See photo at right.). The leaves are all opposite and found on the stems. Individual leaves are elliptical, lanceolate or ovate in shape, ranging from 1-4 cm long and 0.5-2 cm wide. The margins range from entire to lightly toothed.

The inflorescence is a terminal raceme which is fairly compact while in flower, but elongate when in fruit. The raceme is densely hairy or somewhat glandular. The corolla is a deep blue to violet and from 6-10 mm wide. The style is 1-3 mm long. The capsule is higher than wide, ranging from 4-7 mm long.

American alpine speedwell is found in moist subalpine to alpine meadows, bogs, open slopes and on streambanks.

American alpine speedwell may be found from Alaska to Greenland and south through the Pacific Northwest to California and east to New Hampshire and New Mexico.

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