Lawn and Turfgrass Weeds: Common Field Speedwell (Veronica persica)

Also called bird's eye speedwell, Persian speedwell, large field speedwell, or winter speedwell, this species is well adapted to moist soils and full sun to partial shade. Common field speedwell is often found in infrequently mowed areas with thin turf and near ornamental beds, gardens, and sidewalks.

Life cycle

Common field speedwell (Veronica persica Poir) belongs to the plantain family (Plantaginaceae) and is classified as a winter annual. Plants reproduce via seeds which germinate during cool, moist conditions. This weed produces vegetative growth and flowers during spring. Plants tend to fade from turf stands during hot summer months.

Identification

Common field speedwell stems initially grow close to the ground in prostrate fashion and later turn upright, giving rise to flowers. Leaves are opposite to one another on lower stems but are arranged alternately on elevated stems. Individual leaves are approximately ¹⁄₂ to ³⁄₄ inch long, mostly oval, with serrated margins that can be rounded or pointed. Leaf surfaces are sparsely hairy.

Single flowers develop on stalks that arise from leaf axils on stems. Flowers are about ¹⁄₃ inch across with light-blue petals with dark-blue stripes and white at the base. Each flower has two stamens and a single style. A unique identifying feature of common field speedwell is the heart-shaped fruit with diverging lobes that contain seeds.

Figures 2a & b. Identifying features of common field speedwell include light-blue flowers and oval leaves with serrated margins. Photos: Peter Landschoot, Penn State

Figure 3. Left: Upright flower stem of common field speedwell showing the alternate arrangement of leaves. Figure 4. Right:  Heart-shaped fruit of common field speedwell. Photos: Peter Landschoot, Penn State

Management and control

Common field speedwell populations can be reduced by improving turf density through fertilization, regular mowing, and use of turfgrasses well-adapted to site conditions. This weed can be suppressed or controlled with various preemergence and postemergence herbicides.

Preemergence herbicide products labeled for control of common field speedwell.

*Follow label precautionary statements, restrictions, and directions regarding tolerant turfgrass species, rates, and timing of applications. Active ingredients and products in bold type contain a specific reference to common field speedwell or Persian speedwell on the label. Other labels list speedwell but do not specify the individual species.

Postemergence herbicide products labeled for control of common field speedwell.

*Follow label precautionary statements, restrictions, and directions regarding tolerant turfgrass species, rates, and timing of applications. Active ingredients and products in bold type contain a specific reference to common field speedwell or Persian speedwell on the label. Other labels list speedwell but do not specify the individual species.

**Clopyralid-containing products should not be used on residential lawns but can be used for treating weeds in non-residential turf.

References

• Anonymous. Veronica persica. Wikipedia
• Muenscher, W.C., 1987. Weeds 2nd ed. Cornell Univ. Press. 397 pp.
• Uva, R.H., J.C. Neal, and J.M. DiThomaso. 1997. Weeds of the Northeast. Cornell Univ. Press. 397 pp.