Family Name: Scrophulariaceae
Botanical Name(s): Veronica beccabunga
Popular Name(s): Mouth-Smart, Neckweed, Speedwell, Water
Pimpernel, Water Purslain, Brooklime
Parts Used: Herb
Habitat: Beccabunga is a native of Europe, North Africa and
north and western Asia.
Description: Beccabunga is a perennial plant with a stout,
succulent, hollow stem which grows to a height of 1 to 1-1/2 feet. The
plant bears glabrous, ovate or broadly elliptical leaves. Its small blue
flowers grow in axillary spikes from May to August. Its flowers are
numerous, blue in colour and 2 to 4 inches in length. The petals are
oval and unequal.
Uses: Beccabunga is used as a diuretic, emmenagogue and
febrifuge. The infusion of its leaves is used to purify blood.
