1cm. 4-lobed corolla, the upper lobe (a fusion of two lobes) widest; pale lavender with violet lines; only 2 stamens. Whitewater Canyon Preserve, Whitewater, Riverside Co. CA. 5-31-10. © Joan Avise

Water Speedwell

Veronica anagallis-aquatica

EXOTIC, native range unclear, widely naturalized on most continents.

A common 1.5-3.5ft. widespread rhizomatous succulent perennial found in and along streams and other wet places, often associated with watercress.  Flowers are short-lived, often falling by noon on the day they open.  It can form large mats and is host for the Buckeye butterfly larva (Junonia coenia) (Clarke p. 343) This edible plant was once widely used as a preventative for scurvy and in Germany and Sweden as a tea substitute. 

Plantaginaceae

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Whitewater Canyon Preserve, Whitewater, Riverside Co. CA. 5-31-10. © Joan Avise

Opposite smooth or toothed leaves; many flowers in axillary racemes. Whitewater Canyon Preserve, Whitewater, Riverside Co. CA. 5-31-10. © Joan Avise

Whitewater Canyon Preserve, Whitewater, Riverside Co. CA. 5-31-10. © Joan Avise

San Onofre State Beach, San Diego County, CA. 6-2-2007. © Joan Avise

San Onofre State Beach, San Diego County, CA. 6-2-2007. © Joan Avise