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American Brooklime

Veronica americana

Last reviewed: June 2026

American Brooklime (Veronica americana)
Photo: (c) Alex Abair, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Alex Abair

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag American Brooklime as toxic to livestock.

Light

part sun

Water

high

Size

4"–16" H × 8"–24" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

AL, AR, AZ, CA and 40 more states

Pollinators

bees, flies

American brooklime is a low-growing perennial that thrives in consistently moist soils and partial sun conditions. This native forb produces small blue flowers from May through July and spreads to form a groundcover mat in wet areas.

In an HOA neighborhood

American Brooklime takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: high. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

  • Requires consistently wet conditions that may create drainage concerns
  • Can appear weedy or unkempt due to spreading growth habit
  • May go dormant or look poor in typical lawn irrigation conditions

Wildlife value

The small blue flowers attract bees and flies during the spring and summer blooming period. This plant provides nectar for pollinators that specialize in wet habitat areas.

Common questions

How much sun does American Brooklime need?
American Brooklime grows best in part sun conditions.
When does American Brooklime bloom?
American Brooklime blooms in May, June, and July.
Where is American Brooklime native?
American Brooklime (Veronica americana) is native to AL, AR, AZ, CA and 40 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
Is American Brooklime toxic to livestock?
The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag American Brooklime as toxic to livestock.
What pollinators does American Brooklime attract?
American Brooklime draws bees and flies.
Is American Brooklime HOA-friendly?
American Brooklime takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow American Brooklime? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz