293 WEED FLORA OF IOWA 



Purslane Speedwell, Neckweed (Veronica peregrina L.). 



Description. — A glabrous, glandular, or nearly smooth, branch- 

 ing annual 4-9 in. high ; leaves petioled, upper oblong, linear and 

 entire ; floral leaves like those of the stem but reduced ; flowers 

 axillary and solitary, white ; capsule orbicular. 



Distribution.- — A common weed in fields in Iowa and in eastern 

 North America from Nova Scotia southward ; also west to Texas and 

 the Pacific coast. Found in South America and in Europe; cos- 

 mopolitan. 



Extermination. — The seeds are produced abundantly, but young 

 as well as older plants are easily killed by cultivation. 



Fig. 170. Speedwell (Veronica peregrina). Common in gardens and fields in 



early spring. 

 (Photographed by Quade.) 



PLANTAGINACEAE, PLANTAIN FAMILY. 



The family contains few plants of economic importance. The 

 seeds of a few species are used as medicine. 



