bearer of victory

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Despite the cold wind and rain that moved in a few days ago, the speedwells are thriving. Nothing perks up a late winter walkabout like a carpet of speedwells. Growing low-to-the-ground protects the small sky-blue flowers, but because they are prostrate they are often overlooked.

A member of the genus Veronica, this species is a winter annual that reproduces from seeds every year. The genus name likely comes from the early Christian Saint Veronica; the word itself a latinisation of Berenice meaning "bearer of victory." And indeed, this trailside common speedwell succeeds at a time that others would fail.

You go girl!

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