DESCRIPTION: One of the smaller members of the Veronicae family best identified by its sprawling habit, ivy-shaped leaves and tiny lilac flowers that seem to barely open.  These flowers are borne from reddish-brown sepals which sit atop brownish stems.  Each flower is made up of 4 bi-laterally symmetrical petals, with the sub-species lucorum having white or pale lilac petals and those of the ssp. hederifolia being more bluish.  Each corolla measures between 4 and 9mm with only 2 stamens seen and 1 shorter style. The whole plant is covered in noticeable hairs.  DISTRIBUTION: Widespread throughout.  HABITAT: Cultivated land, pathsides, wasteground, field margins and walls. FLOWERING TIME: An early bloomer best seen from March onwards. FURTHER INFO: Ivy Leaved Speedwell is antiscorbutic and diuretic. It is used in the treatment of scurvy, impurities of the blood etc. It is also used as a remedy for scrofulous affections, especially of the skin, and is bruised and applied externally for healing burns, ulcers, whitlows and the mitigation of painful piles.