 Veronica chamaedry -Bird's Eye Speedwell I discovered these adorable little flowers a couple of weeks ago. They were (are) growing in a partially shaded area underneath beech trees. I had never seen them before and assumed they were some sort of Maine wildflower. With a little research, I have come to the conclusion that they are Veronica chamaedrys L., commonly known as germander speedwell or bird's eye speedwell. In Italy, they are referred to as St Mary's Eyes. According to the Connecticut Botanical Society, they grow to heights of 4 to 12 inches and bloom from May to July..
The tiny flowers are slightly larger than a violet and are striking shade of blue. They are not native to Maine and were introduced from Europe or Asia. I found them growing wild near the edges of an old dirt road. There is no homestead nearby, so I'm not sure how they got there. A return visit to the site revealed a sprawling cluster of the these dainty little flowers. I am seriously considering digging up a small section to introduce them to my flower garden or backyard. My research confirmed that they should be lifted and divided every few years to keep them healthy and productive. If you notice a splash of blue when you are out and about in the Maine woods,don't assume what you are seeing are violets. Take a moment to stop and explore and get a closeup view of these little beauties. Until Next Time . . HAPPY GARDENING!
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