Hairy Purslane Speedwell: A Widespread but Overlooked Native Annual
If you’ve ever noticed tiny white flowers popping up in disturbed soil or along pathways, you might have encountered hairy purslane speedwell (Veronica peregrina xalapensis). This diminutive annual forb is one of those plants that flies under the radar despite being incredibly widespread across North America.
What Is Hairy Purslane Speedwell?
Hairy purslane speedwell is an annual forb, meaning it’s a non-woody plant that completes its entire life cycle in one growing season. As a member of the Veronica genus, it’s related to other speedwells, though this particular variety tends to be quite modest in appearance. Don’t let the name fool you – it’s not actually related to purslane at all!
This plant goes by several scientific names, including Veronica peregrina L. var. xalapensis, Veronica sherwoodii, and Veronica xalapensis, which can make identifying it in field guides a bit tricky.
Where Does It Grow?
One of the most remarkable things about hairy purslane speedwell is its incredible range. This adaptable little plant can be found across most of North America, from Alberta and British Columbia down to Florida and California, and everywhere in between. It even grows in Alaska and Hawaii, though it’s considered non-native in those locations.
Native Status: It’s Complicated
Here’s where things get interesting – hairy purslane speedwell has a complex native status. It’s considered native to Canada and the lower 48 states, but it’s been introduced to Alaska and Hawaii where it now reproduces on its own. This suggests it’s quite the traveler and highly adaptable to different climates and conditions.
Should You Grow It in Your Garden?
This is probably not a plant you’ll find at your local nursery, and there’s a good reason for that. Hairy purslane speedwell is more of a volunteer plant – one that shows up on its own rather than being intentionally planted. While it’s not known to be invasive or noxious, it’s also not particularly ornamental.
If you’re looking for native plants to add to your garden, you might want to consider more showy alternatives like:
- Native asters for late-season color
- Wild bergamot for pollinator appeal
- Black-eyed Susan for bright, cheerful blooms
- Purple coneflower for drought tolerance and bird appeal
Growing Conditions and Care
If hairy purslane speedwell does appear in your garden (and it very well might, given its wide distribution), it’s quite undemanding. As an annual, it will complete its life cycle and disappear with the first frost. Since specific growing requirements for this subspecies aren’t well-documented, it’s safe to assume it shares the adaptable nature of other speedwells – tolerating various soil types and moisture levels.
Garden Role and Identification
In the garden ecosystem, hairy purslane speedwell likely plays a minor role as a ground-covering annual. Its small stature and inconspicuous flowers mean it won’t compete with your showier native plantings, but it might provide some early season ground cover in disturbed areas.
Look for small, white flowers and the characteristic growth habit of a low-growing forb. Remember, as an annual, any plants you see will be starting fresh each year from seed.
The Bottom Line
Hairy purslane speedwell is one of those fascinating plants that demonstrates nature’s adaptability – it’s managed to spread across an entire continent and thrive in diverse conditions. While it might not win any beauty contests, it’s a testament to the resilience of native flora. If it shows up in your garden, there’s no need to panic, but there are certainly more exciting native options if you’re looking to add intentional plantings to your landscape.
