Skip to content
- There are many different types of speedwell (around 500 all over the world, nearly 2 dozen in the UK and at least 9 species identified along the North Yorkshire coast by Nan Sykes).
- The field speedwell (veronica persica) is common on Cowbar on bare ground and field edges.
- It is also known as the Persian speedwell, bird’s- eye speedwell, large field speedwell, winter speedwell.
- The speedwell flower represents protection, joy, healing and faith.
- The ‘Veronica’ part of the speedwells’ Latin names refers to the story of St Veronica who is said to have wiped the face of Jesus with her shawl on his walk to Calvary, and the blue of his eyes was imprinted in the cloth forever.
- The name speedwell may come from claims that the plant was a fast and effective medicine.
- Speedwells were some of the first flowers to appear on the newly made bund along Cowbar Lane in 2022. They thrive on cultivated land so their seeds may have already been in the soil from when Cowbar land was cultivated.
- One or two single flowers appeared at first but as the plant spread over the ground, more and more individual blue flowers opened.
- Field speedwells were brought to this country by the Victorians, from Asia.
- Some say the dried flowers can be used as tea which will treat swelling and fluid retention, excess mucus, coughs, asthma and pleurisy and several other conditions.
- Used externally, speedwell tea can apparently bathe sore eyes and treat skin rashes and inflammation.
- It is also said to be edible chopped up in salad or made into a pesto or added to a smoothie. It contains protein, minerals, vitamins and antioxidants.
