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Marsh Speedwell

Veronica scutellata

Last reviewed: August 2026

Marsh Speedwell (Veronica scutellata)
Photo: Johann Georg Sturm (Painter: Jacob Sturm) / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

Toxicity unknown

Marsh Speedwell (Veronica scutellata) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

full sun

Water

high

Size

4"–16" H × 4"–12" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

AZ, CA, CO, CT and 28 more states

Pollinators

bees, flies

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 445 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast RangePuget LowlandMarine West Coast ForestNorthwestern Forested MountainsSierra NevadaCentral California Foothills and Coastal MountainsNorth American DesertsCentral Basin and RangeNorthern ForestsNorthern Lakes and ForestsNorth Central Hardwood ForestsDriftless AreaSoutheastern Wisconsin Till PlainsCentral Corn Belt PlainsEastern Corn Belt PlainsSouthern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift PlainsHuron/Erie Lake PlainsNortheastern HighlandsNortheastern Coastal ZoneNorthern Allegheny PlateauErie Drift PlainMiddle Atlantic Coastal PlainNorthern PiedmontRidge and ValleyCentral AppalachiansWestern Allegheny PlateauAcadian Plains and HillsEastern Great Lakes Lowlands

Marsh speedwell is a low-growing native wildflower that produces delicate spikes of small blue or white flowers from late spring through summer. This moisture-loving perennial thrives in wet soils and spreads gradually to form loose colonies in suitable conditions.

In an HOA neighborhood

Marsh Speedwell 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.

  • Very informal, weedy appearance
  • Requires constantly wet soil conditions
  • Small size makes it look like lawn weeds

Wildlife value

The small flowers attract various bees and beneficial flies throughout the long blooming season. Its extended flowering period provides consistent nectar resources during peak growing months.

Common questions

How much sun does Marsh Speedwell need?
Marsh Speedwell grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Marsh Speedwell bloom?
Marsh Speedwell blooms in May, June, July, and August.
Where is Marsh Speedwell native?
Marsh Speedwell (Veronica scutellata) is native to AZ, CA, CO, CT and 28 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Marsh Speedwell attract?
Marsh Speedwell draws bees and flies.
Is Marsh Speedwell HOA-friendly?
Marsh Speedwell 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 World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

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

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