Table of Contents
- Edible Uses of Speedwells
- Medicinal Uses of Speedwells
- Alternative Uses of Bird’s Eye
- Growing Veronica SPP.
Marsh speedwell is the main native speedwell (Veronica spp.) you’ll find here, but we have quite a few species creeping around Ontario. All are edible and medicinal wild plants.
Around Haliburton, the most common speedwells are marsh speedwell (Veronica scutellata) and thyme-leaved speedwell (Veronica serpyllifolia). I most often spot marsh and thyme-leaved in lawns left to grow in, meadows hidden in the woods, or in creeping mats along old paths and forest roads. American brookline (Veronica americana) and heath speedwell (V. officinalis) are uncommon here. Water speedwell (V. anagallis-aquatica) and corn speedwell (V. arvensis) are listed in Haliburton Flora as rare. There are probably more species here now than listed in Haliburton Flora decades ago.
Only one of the above is certainly native – marsh speedwell.
Edible Uses of Speedwells
Most veronica species are edible. The leaves are best harvested before flowering and can be used in salads or as a potherb. The young growth tips are edible through the spring and summer. The flavor is comparable to watercress.
The bitter leaves and stems make a green tea substitute.
Just beware to not harvest near polluted water.
American brookline (Veronica americana) is the most popular speedwell both for edibility and medicinal usage.
Medicinal Uses of Speedwells
Speedwell is primarily said to support these body systems:
- Integumentary
- Respiratory
Medicinal tags include Astringent, Diuretic and Expectorant. See Medicinal tag key for more information.
Common usage includes an infusion of dried plant for coughs and catarrh, as an expectorant.
Alternative Uses of Bird’s Eye
The popular brookline species is also used in hair and skin treatment recipes, massage oils, etc.
Growing Veronica SPP.
Marsh speedwell is native to Ontario and reminds me a bit of chickweed. Western purslane speedwell (Veronica peregrina var. xalapensis) is also native to Ontario and can be found in Algonquin park. It’s an annual that looks more like a hairy purslane or sedum. I based my native or not on the Checklist of Vascular Plants of Algonquin Provincial Park, but should note there is some disagreement. Thyme-leaved may be native too, or a subspecies of it, for one. It doesn’t sound presently like any of the introduced speedwells are invasive. It’s generally recommended to start the seeds indoors.
WARNINGS
And the Usual Cautions:
1) Most medicinal herbs, if edible, are meant to be eaten in moderation, even sparingly. Some require extra preparation. Tannins are toxic if consumed in excess. Before taking any new supplements, you should consult with a healthcare professional.
2) A vast amount of these herbs are diuretic. (See the Medicinal tags above to check if this featured herb is one of them!) Diuretics are generally safe, but they can be risky for people with other medical conditions or who take certain medications. Please consult your doctor if you have any health conditions.
3) People can be allergic or sensitive to nearly any plant; try new herbs one at a time at your own risk. For instance, saponins commonly cause stomach upset.
4) For serious medicinal use, I must recommend receiving a diagnosis and working with a reputed health care provider. I generally do not post specific treatments and dosages because I think that is best between you and your health care provider, and ideally monitored.
5) Anyone pregnant, nursing, or taking prescription drugs should talk to a health care professional before adding new food items to their diet.
6) Many plants have look-a-likes, and sometimes they are poisonous.
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REFERENCES
My new favourite foraging book is Sam Thayer’s Field Guide to Edible Wild Plants: of Eastern and Central North America (The Sam Thayer’s Field Guides) Paperback – June 1, 2023 and this plant IS featured as one of the edible wild plants in this area. I highly recommend this guide for your bookshelves!
Veronica Linnaeus – Database of Vascular Plants of Canada (VASCAN)
How Indians Use Wild Plants for Food, Medicine & Crafts (Native American)
Edible and Medicinal Plants of Canada
A Modern Herbal (Volume 2, I-Z and Indexes)
Field Guide to North American Edible Wild Plants (Out of Print)
Illustrated Encyclopedia of Herbs
Reader’s Digest Magic and Medicine of Plants
The Herb Book: The Most Complete Catalog of Herbs Ever Published (Dover Cookbooks)