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Broadleaf Weeds - Vegetable Garden - Corn Speedwell

BES-TEX Weed ID Guide · Broadleaf Weeds

Corn Speedwell

Veronica arvensis

Winter annual Broadleaf

Common Name

Corn Speedwell

Latin Name

Veronica arvensis

Family

Plantaginaceae

Life Cycle / Type

Winter annual · Broadleaf

What Is It?

Corn speedwell is a low-growing winter annual broadleaf weed with small, rounded, slightly hairy leaves and tiny blue to lavender flowers. It grows close to the ground and commonly appears in thin turf, compacted soils, and cool-season conditions, often going unnoticed until flowering.

Corn Speedwell plant
Photo: extension.psu.edu.

Soil Temperature & Germination

Corn speedwell germinates as soils cool in the fall.

Below 55°F

Germination begins

Cool winter soils

Continued establishment and growth

Decision Question

Is the weed visible above the soil right now?

YES

It is already up.

Post-Emergent Herbicide BMP

NO

It has not emerged.

Pre-Emergent Herbicide BMP

Why This Weed Comes Back

Missed fall pre-emergent timing

Thin or compacted turf

Bare or disturbed soil

Learn the Basics

A healthy, thick lawn is the best defense against weeds.

Lawn Care 101 BMP
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