American Brooklime.Veronica Americana.
Found by roadside runlets, and meadow brooks, in June and July.
The rather large stalk, sometimes creeps and then lifts itself to the height of 10 or 15 inches; it is hollow, juicy, and fine-fibred, and smooth. Pale green in color.
The long, oval leaf has a grooved midrib and slightly notched margin; it is juicy, and smooth. In color light green. The leaves, on short broad flat stems, that clasp the stalk, are placed in pairs, at right angles to each other.
The little circular corolla is cut into 4 scallops, of which 3 are round-pointed and of equal size, while the fourth is narrower and a trifle longer; the texture is delicate. The color is very pretty, a lavender-blue with slightly darker markings,—the center is white; the 2 stamens are pale purple. The calyx is 4-parted, the divisions narrow and pointed; green. The flowers, set on thread-stems, are placed in little, loose, terminal spires.
A first cousin to the Speedwell of English poetry. These tiny blossoms fall almost as soon as they open their pretty blue eyes, therefore let the observer rest content, without trying to pluck the tender stalks.