Veronica (Veronica spp.)

Perennial. Blue, purple, white varieties. Excellent in borders. Tall, tapered spires attracting bees and butterflies from spring to late summer.

Medicinal Uses: Uses include treating respiratory problems like coughs and congestion, gastrointestinal issues, and skin conditions such as burns and ulcers. It has also been traditionally used for diuretic, expectorant, and tonic properties, and for conditions like rheumatism and gout.

Notes: Several species of Veronica are native to British Columbia, including Veronica cusickii, Veronica catenata, Veronica americana, and Veronica serpyllifolia var. humifusa. Other Veronica species, such as Veronica officinalis (Common speedwell), are native to Europe and Asia but have been introduced and are naturalized in British Columbia.