Corn Speedwell: The Invasive Weed That's

Corn Speedwell: The Invasive Weed That's Taking Over Our Lawns

Corn speedwell (Veronica arvensis) is a common weed that can be found in lawns, gardens, and other disturbed areas throughout North America. It is a winter annual, meaning that it germinates in the fall or early winter and grows and flowers in the spring and early summer. Corn speedwell is a prolific seed producer, and its seeds can remain viable in the soil for several years. This makes it difficult to control, and it can quickly take over an area if left unchecked.

Corn speedwell is a small plant, typically growing no more than 6 inches tall. It has slender, branching stems that creep along the ground and root at the nodes. The leaves are small and oval-shaped, with a slightly toothed margin. The flowers are small and blue or white, and they are typically produced in clusters.

Corn speedwell is not a particularly harmful plant, but it can be unsightly and can crowd out desirable plants. It can also harbor pests and diseases. If you have corn speedwell in your lawn or garden, there are a few things you can do to control it.

One way to control corn speedwell is to hand-weed it. This can be time-consuming, but it is an effective way to remove small infestations. When hand-weeding, be sure to remove the entire plant, including the roots.

Another way to control corn speedwell is to use a herbicide. There are a number of herbicides that are effective against corn speedwell. When choosing a herbicide, be sure to select one that is labeled for use on lawns or gardens.

You can also prevent corn speedwell from taking over your lawn or garden by practicing good lawn care. This includes keeping your lawn mowed at a height of 2-3 inches, aerate your lawn regularly, and fertilize your lawn according to the manufacturer's instructions.

If you have corn speedwell in your lawn or garden, don't panic. There are a number of ways to control it. With a little effort, you can keep this invasive weed in check.

Corn speedwell is a common weed that can be found in many parts of the world. It is a member of the plantain family and has small, blue flowers. Corn speedwell can be a nuisance in gardens and lawns, but it is not harmful to humans or animals.

If you are interested in learning more about corn speedwell, I encourage you to visit Home Gardening. This website has a wealth of information about corn speedwell, including its identification, distribution, and control.

FAQ of corn speedwell

• What is corn speedwell?
  • Corn speedwell (Veronica arvensis) is a winter annual weed that is common in lawns, gardens, and fields. It has small, blue or white flowers and heart-shaped seed pods.
• How do I identify corn speedwell?
  • Corn speedwell can be identified by its small, blue or white flowers, heart-shaped seed pods, and hairy stems and leaves. It is similar in appearance to other speedwell species, such as ivyleaf speedwell and Persian speedwell.
• How does corn speedwell spread?
  • Corn speedwell spreads by seed. Seeds can germinate in the fall, winter, or spring. They can be spread by wind, water, and animals.
• How can I control corn speedwell?
  • There are a number of ways to control corn speedwell, including:
    • Hand pulling: Hand pulling is an effective way to control corn speedwell, especially when the weeds are young and small. Be sure to remove the entire plant, including the roots.
    • Mulching: Mulching around your plants can help to suppress the growth of corn speedwell. Use a thick layer of mulch, such as wood chips or bark, to prevent the weed seeds from germinating.
    • Weeding herbicides: There are a number of herbicides that can be used to control corn speedwell. Be sure to read the label carefully and follow the directions before using any herbicide.

Image of corn speedwell

1. Corn speedwell plant in full bloom. The plant has small, blue flowers with white centers. The leaves are oval-shaped and have a slightly serrated edge.
2. Close-up of corn speedwell flowers. The flowers are about 1/2 inch in diameter. The petals are blue with white centers.
3. Corn speedwell plant growing in a garden. The plant is about 6 inches tall. It has several stems that are covered in small, blue flowers.
4. Corn speedwell plant growing in a crack in a sidewalk. The plant is about 3 inches tall. It has a single stem that is covered in small, blue flowers.
5. Corn speedwell plant growing in a field. The plant is about 12 inches tall. It has several stems that are covered in small, blue flowers.
6. Corn speedwell plant with seed pods. The seed pods are about 1/4 inch long and are green in color.
7. Corn speedwell plant with ripe seed pods. The seed pods are now brown in color and have split open to release the seeds.
8. Corn speedwell seeds. The seeds are about 1/16 inch long and are brown in color.
9. Corn speedwell seedlings. The seedlings are about 1/2 inch tall and have two leaves each.
10. Corn speedwell plant in winter. The plant is now dormant and has no leaves.