Fluellen

This genus includes about 250 species of mostly blue-flowered annuals, perennials, and mostly deciduous subshrubs, which occur in Europe and Asia. Those in cultivation range from elegant border plants and aquatics to mat-forming plants suitable for the rock garden; which may have variants with pink, white, or purple flowers. The names "common speedwell" and "speedwell" are applied to several different speices; for medicinal purposes care should be taken to identify the correct plant. Veronica officinalis was a popular healing herb in Europe during the Middle Ages, under the name herba Veronica majoris. In 1690 it was the subject of a 300 page treatise, Polchresta Herba Veronica by Johannes Francus. By the 19th century, it was used mostly as a tea substitute, known in France as thé d'Europe. It is regarded as obsolete by herbalists today. Veronica may be named after St. Veronica. The common name "speedwell" (goodbye) refers to the rapid fall of the corollas if the flower spikes are picked.

Creeping, mat-forming, hairy perennial with ovate-elliptic, toothed leaves, to 5cm (2½in) long, and racemes of lilac-blue, veined flowers from late spring to early summer.


Common Name:
Fluellen
Other Names:
Common Speedwell, Heath Speedwell, Gypsyweed
Botanical Name:
Veronica officinalis
Genus:
Veronica
Family:
Scrophulariaceae
Native Location:
Europe
Cultivation:
Dry, slightly acid soil in sun or partial shade. Prone to downy and powdery mildews.
Propagation:
By seed sown in autumn; by division in spring or autumn; by semi-ripe cuttings in summer.
Harvest:
Plants are cut when flowering and dried for infusions.
Height:
10-50cm (4-20in)
Width:
Indefinite
Hardiness:
Z3-9
Parts Used:
Whole plant.
Properties:
A bitter, astringent, alterative herb with a tea-like aroma when dried. It has weak diuretic and expectorant effects.
Medicinal Uses:
Formerly, internally for bronchial, arthritic, rheumatic, and skin complaints, nervous exhaustion, and stomach upsets; externally for minor injuries.
Culinary Uses:
Dried herb may be added to tea blends.
Bibliography:
Encyclopedia of Herbs by Deni Brown Copyright © 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited. pg 402