Brightblue Speedwell, Thyme-leaved Speedwell
Veronica serpyllifolia ssp. humifusa
Synonyms: Veronica humifusa, Veronica serpyllifolia var. borealis, Veronica serpyllifolia var. humifusa, Veronica tenella, Veronicastrum serpyllifolium ssp. humifusum
The photo above shows a close-up view of the
pale blue flowers of thyme-leaved speedwell as seen in an upper tributary to
Dairy Creek just off Rd K6900 at about 3800' on the southeastern flanks of Mt.
Adams.........May 29, 2005. Note the small hairs within the inflorescence.
These are typically less common or absent on the lower stem that creeps across
the ground.
The photo above shows a close-up view of the
form of thyme-leaved speedwell as seen in an upper tributary to Dairy Creek
just off Rd K6900 at about 3800' on the southeastern flanks of Mt. Adams.........May
29, 2005. The lower leaves are more rounded (See below.) while those of the
stems are longer and narrower. The lower stem is more prostrate against
the ground and roots at the nodes.
The photo above shows a close-up view of the
rounded, lower leaves of thyme-leaved speedwell as seen in an upper tributary
to Dairy Creek just off Rd K6900 at about 3800' on the southeastern flanks of
Mt. Adams..........May 29, 2005. This node also bears roots. Note the juvenile
aquatic insect atop the node of the leaf at right.
The photo above shows the broad, heart-shaped
fruits of thyme-leaved speedwell as seen in an upper tributary to Dairy Creek
just off Rd K6900 at about 3800' on the southeastern flanks of Mt. Adams.........May
29, 2005. Note the hairs along the margins of the fruits and the style which
is several millimeters long that remains in the notch between the two upper
lobes of the fruit.
Paul Slichter