Veronica wormskjoldii

Alpine Speedwell

Alpine Speedwell
aka American Alpine Speedwell, Veronica alpina. Similar to Cusick’s Veronica except the styles and stamens do not project out as much. The blue-violet flowers form tight rounded heads atop stems which are 3″ – 12″ (7 – 30 cm) tall. The stems are coated with hairs. The name ‘speedwell’ means ‘get well’ or ‘go on well’, or ‘farewell’ or ‘God speed’ – and may refer to the fact that the petals fall off as soon as the flowers are picked. Usually found in moist areas above 5,000′ elevation.

Family:

Plantaginaceae - PLANTAIN FAMILY

Genus:

Veronica after Saint Veronica, vericonica, 'the true likeness'

Species:

wormskioldii after Morten Wormskjold (1783 - 1845), Danish explorer
Photo location: From the east shore of Dewey Lake, the WLT south of Summerland, the upper reaches of the Paradise Glacier trail and the Moraine Trail (Nisqually).