Ivy Leafed Speedwell

Ivy-leaved speedwell belongs to a group of limp-stalked speedwells whose flowers are solitary in the axils. It can be easily differentiated from the other species due to its roundish, lobed leaves, which have palmate venation.

Ivy-leaved speedwell’s small corolla is pale blue and modest looking. To insects, however, it seems interesting, so cross-pollination occurs, at least sometimes. In bad weather the flower stays closed without any negative influence on the development of the seeds and it seems that self-pollination is common. The few, boat-like seeds are surprisingly large. Like other speedwells they have an oily appendage which attracts ants to spread the seed. The adaptation that is connected with this way of spreading the seed is probably also why the flower-stalk curves down as the fruit ripens – it’s easier for ants to reach.