thewesternisles.co.uk

Western Isles Wildflowers

Western Isles wildflowers is a collection of information about our Hebridean wildflowers including identification hints, traditional herbal uses and general plant lore.

 

Brooklime

(Water Pimpernel, Becky Leaves, Cow Cress, Horse Cress, Housewell Grass, Limewort, Brookelembe, Limpwort, Wall-ink, Water-Pumpy and Well-ink)

Veronica beccabunga

Gaelic name: Lochal Mothair

Brooklime is a member of the speedwell family. It has creeping stems and fleshy leaves. The flower-spikes which carry it's bright blue flowers grow in matched pairs on opposite sides of the stems.

Flowering period May - September.

Brooklime grows in wet places, very damp grassland and small streams. It is a native plant of the Western Isles.

We have several speedwell species growing in the Western Isles, thyme-leaved speedwell, wall speedwell, heath speedwell (common speedwell), germander speedwell, blue water-speedwell, pink water speedwell and brooklime.

Once used in salads with water cress as they usually can be found together. The plant was also used for burns and wounds. It was widely used for scurvey and other skin complaints.

Photography © Suzanne Harris. Notes by Ela Springwater
Hackclete - Isle of Lewis - Outer Hebrides (Western Isles)
22nd June, 2007