FLORA OF ICELAND elements: Veronica serpyllifolia, Thyme-leaved Speedwell, Lækjadepla

Veronica serpyllifolia; The Thyme-leaved speedwell is the only naturally growing speedwell on Iceland with flowers which are almost white. However, there are always bluish streaks on the white petals and they sometimes be almost light-blue. Except fot the barren highlands it can be found anywhere on Iceland. It prefers to grow along flowing waters but I have seen it elsewhere too. In this species one can easily observe a general characteristic of speedwells, being that the lowest petal is slightly smaller than the other petals. As a speedwell it, of coarse, also has heart-shaped fruits.
Traditionally speedwell species have been classified in the figwort family (Scrophulariaceae) but recently they have been included in the plantain family (Plantaginaceae). The Icelandic name of this species is Lækjadepla.