This annual species is not very widespread in Ireland, being found mainly in the south-east. It is quite similar to Green Field-speedwell but its leaves are grey-green rather than the purer green of Green Field-speedwell. It bears small, bright blue flowers (4-8mm across) with oval and pointed sepals. The flowers are the typical shape of Speedwells, three larger petals with a smaller petal below, in this species all petals are blue. The plant has some short non-glandular hairs and erect glandular hairs. This species only grows to about 25-30cm high and is usually found on well-drained soils, arable fields and waste ground. The flowers can be seen from March to November. This is an introduced species which belongs to the Plantain or Plantagiaceae family.
I first saw this little species close to New Ross, Co Wexford, when it was pointed out to me by Paula O’Meara, the BSBI’s Joint Vice-county Recorder for Wexford.
If you are satisfied you have correctly identified this plant, please submit your sighting to the National Biodiversity Data Centre
