Persian Speedwell (Veronica persica), is a low growing annual generally found in moist shady soil though it can be found in dry, sandy or rocky soils. Veronica persica is native to Eurasia but has naturalized throughout North America. During the cool weather of late winter/early spring most of the vegetative growth will occur with flowers blooming as it warms in late winter through summer.
Flowers are less than 1 inch, sky blue in color with dark lines with a white center on thin hairy stalks. Opposite oval leaves on the lower portion and alternate leaves on the upper portion. Leaves are up to 1/2″ long and 1/3″ across and are medium to dark green and slightly hairy with short stems. Seeds are transversely rugose and measure between one and two millimeters.
Veronica persica can be weedy and will invade thin turf and fields.
I have not found any info (that I can access) that talks about its use in medicine or food. The attached paper (below), does talk about similar species and mentions persica in the treatment of hemorrhaging, rheumatoid arthritis, asthma among other ailments. If you know of other sources let me know.
Genus: Veronica
Veronica is the largest genus in the flowering plant family Plantaginaceae, covering approximately 500 species. Some common names include speedwell, bird’s eye and gypsyweed. The majority of the species are from the Northern Hemisphere and temperate zones.
Species: Persica
Family: Plantaginaceae
Sources:
https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/persian-speedwell
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