Slender Speedwell

Veronica filiformis

General - Slender Speedwell is a perennial weed spreading with creeping stems that can quickly colonise large areas if it is not effectively controlled.

Speedwells which are members of the Snapdragon family are notoriously difficult to control with chemicals.

Leaves - The small leaves are rounded or kidney shaped with the edge of the leaves being slightly toothed.

Flowers - Slender Speedwell has blue - purple flowers with 4 petals, the lower petal being slightly smaller than the other 3.

This weed flowers between April and June.

Roots - This shallow rooting weed has fibrous roots.

Habitat - Very common in all types of lawns & turf, and it will grow quite happily in most soil conditions.

Cultural Control - Hand weeding may be practical for a few plants taking care to remove the whole plant. This weed can spread by mowing so it is important to box off the clippings.

Ideally prevent the weed becoming a problem by encouraging a tight healthy sward on the lawn.

Chemical Control - Like other Speedwells, Slender is a difficult weed to effectively control with selective weed killers, as it is resistant to many of the chemicals.

Choosing a selective weed killer that contains fluroxypyr may yield the best results when treating this weed. More than one application will be required.