A vocabulary of landscape — a landscape of words
1083 entries
speedwell
Speedwell is a group of low-growing plants with small four-petalled flowers, usually in a startling clear blue with a white eye and one petal narrower than the other three. Some creep flat through lawns and short turf and some stand up in spikes. The flowers of several species drop within hours of being picked, or as soon as the plant is disturbed.
Etymology
The name is generally read as a farewell: speed well, go well, said to the traveler, because the flowers fall as soon as you gather them and because several species grow along paths. The alternative account connects it to a supposed medicinal use, which is weaker. The Latin genus name is Veronica, traditionally connected to Saint Veronica and the cloth, on the strength of markings some species carry.