speedwell

American  

[speed-wel] / ˈspidˌwɛl /

noun

1. any of several plants, shrubs, or small trees of the genus Veronica, of the figwort family, having opposite leaves and small flowers.

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speedwell British  

/ ˈspiːdˌwɛl /

noun

1. any of various temperate scrophulariaceous plants of the genus Veronica, such as V. officinalis ( heath speedwell ) and V. chamaedrys ( germander speedwell ), having small blue or pinkish white flowers

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Etymology

Origin of speedwell

1570–80; speed + well ¹; so called because its petals fade and fall early

Example Sentences

Autumn Joy sedum and speedwell, a purple flower that reminded me of a gnome’s hat, were still going strong.

From Washington Post • Aug. 31, 2022

Flowering examples of germander speedwell, daffodil and chicory cast shadows and consort with the odd caterpillar or beetle, surrounded by borders of more schematic leaf motifs that nonetheless have space for some quite real-looking birds.

From New York Times • Jun. 5, 2014

The little lady of the speedwell eyes, is as far above you as the stars in heaven, and you know it.

From Christina by Moberly, L. G.

To bask amid the buttercups The timid speedwell ventures out.

From Enamels and Cameos and other Poems by Lee, Agnes

How many suns it takes To make one speedwell blue— was no mere fancy of a poet.

From Vanishing Roads and Other Essays by Le Gallienne, Richard