Veronica spicata L. subsp. spicata

Posted byTrajche DimitrovskiPosted inUncategorized

Taxonomy: Fam. Plantaginaceae// Genus: Veronica// Species: Veronica spicata L.// Subspecies: Veronica spicata L. subsp. spicata.

The classification is given according to the Euro+Med Planbase (Marhold, 2011+).

Determined according to the botanical key provided by Diklić in Josifović (1974) and Walters and Webb (1972 in Tutin et al.).

Note: The population from Osogovo has the distinguishing trait of V. spicata subsp. spicata – hairy and glandular stem and inflorescence, yet it shows longer leaf petioles. According to literature data the petiole of the lower leaves is up to 10 mm long, while the plants from Osogovo have well developed petioles of the lower and middle leaves, reaching up to 45 mm in the lower leaves.

Lifeform: Perennial plant. Hemicryptophyte according to the Raunkiær system.

Distribution: Native from Europe to Central Siberia and NW. Xinjiang according to the Plants of the World Online portal (Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew).

Habitat: Edges of forest and sparse woods in the Querco-carpinetum orientalis ass.

Flowering period: Summer (JUN, JUL).

Locality: Probishtip, Stari Grad – rock cliffs above the Eshterec Stream (Zletovska River basin). Date: 05.07.2026.

Veronica spicata subsp. spicata – habit. Osogovo -Probishtip: Stari Grad – rock cliffs above the Eshterec Stream (Zletovska River basin), 05.07.2026. Photo by Trajche Dimitrovski.
Veronica spicata subsp. spicata – habit. Osogovo -Probishtip: Stari Grad – rock cliffs above the Eshterec Stream (Zletovska River basin), 05.07.2026. Photo by Trajche Dimitrovski.
Veronica spicata subsp. spicata – habit. Osogovo -Probishtip: Stari Grad – rock cliffs above the Eshterec Stream (Zletovska River basin), 05.07.2026. Photo by Trajche Dimitrovski.
Veronica spicata subsp. spicata – habit. Osogovo -Probishtip: Stari Grad – rock cliffs above the Eshterec Stream (Zletovska River basin), 05.07.2026. Photo by Trajche Dimitrovski.
Veronica spicata subsp. spicata – habit. Osogovo -Probishtip: Stari Grad – rock cliffs above the Eshterec Stream (Zletovska River basin), 05.07.2026. Photo by Trajche Dimitrovski.
Veronica spicata subsp. spicata – habit. Osogovo -Probishtip: Stari Grad – rock cliffs above the Eshterec Stream (Zletovska River basin), 05.07.2026. Photo by Trajche Dimitrovski.
Veronica spicata subsp. spicata – habit. Osogovo -Probishtip: Stari Grad – rock cliffs above the Eshterec Stream (Zletovska River basin), 05.07.2026. Photo by Trajche Dimitrovski.
Veronica spicata subsp. spicata – inflorescence. Osogovo -Probishtip: Stari Grad – rock cliffs above the Eshterec Stream (Zletovska River basin), 05.07.2026. Photo by Trajche Dimitrovski.
Veronica spicata subsp. spicata – inflorescence. Osogovo -Probishtip: Stari Grad – rock cliffs above the Eshterec Stream (Zletovska River basin), 05.07.2026. Photo by Trajche Dimitrovski.
Veronica spicata subsp. spicata – inflorescence. Osogovo -Probishtip: Stari Grad – rock cliffs above the Eshterec Stream (Zletovska River basin), 05.07.2026. Photo by Trajche Dimitrovski.
Veronica spicata subsp. spicata – inflorescence. Osogovo -Probishtip: Stari Grad – rock cliffs above the Eshterec Stream (Zletovska River basin), 05.07.2026. Photo by Trajche Dimitrovski.
Veronica spicata subsp. spicata – inflorescence. Osogovo -Probishtip: Stari Grad – rock cliffs above the Eshterec Stream (Zletovska River basin), 05.07.2026. Photo by Trajche Dimitrovski.
Veronica spicata subsp. spicata – developing flowers. Osogovo -Probishtip: Stari Grad – rock cliffs above the Eshterec Stream (Zletovska River basin), 05.07.2026. Photo by Trajche Dimitrovski.
Veronica spicata subsp. spicata – developing flowers. Osogovo -Probishtip: Stari Grad – rock cliffs above the Eshterec Stream (Zletovska River basin), 05.07.2026. Photo by Trajche Dimitrovski.
Veronica spicata subsp. spicata – developing flowers. Osogovo -Probishtip: Stari Grad – rock cliffs above the Eshterec Stream (Zletovska River basin), 05.07.2026. Photo by Trajche Dimitrovski.
Veronica spicata subsp. spicata – developing flowers. Osogovo -Probishtip: Stari Grad – rock cliffs above the Eshterec Stream (Zletovska River basin), 05.07.2026. Photo by Trajche Dimitrovski.
Veronica spicata subsp. spicata – developing flowers. Osogovo -Probishtip: Stari Grad – rock cliffs above the Eshterec Stream (Zletovska River basin), 05.07.2026. Photo by Trajche Dimitrovski.
Veronica spicata subsp. spicata – flowers. Osogovo -Probishtip: Stari Grad – rock cliffs above the Eshterec Stream (Zletovska River basin), 05.07.2026. Photo by Trajche Dimitrovski.
Veronica spicata subsp. spicata – flowers. Osogovo -Probishtip: Stari Grad – rock cliffs above the Eshterec Stream (Zletovska River basin), 05.07.2026. Photo by Trajche Dimitrovski.
Veronica spicata subsp. spicata – flowers. Osogovo -Probishtip: Stari Grad – rock cliffs above the Eshterec Stream (Zletovska River basin), 05.07.2026. Photo by Trajche Dimitrovski.
Veronica spicata subsp. spicata – flowers. Osogovo -Probishtip: Stari Grad – rock cliffs above the Eshterec Stream (Zletovska River basin), 05.07.2026. Photo by Trajche Dimitrovski.
Veronica spicata subsp. spicata – flowers. Osogovo -Probishtip: Stari Grad – rock cliffs above the Eshterec Stream (Zletovska River basin), 05.07.2026. Photo by Trajche Dimitrovski.
Veronica spicata subsp. spicata – flowers. Osogovo -Probishtip: Stari Grad – rock cliffs above the Eshterec Stream (Zletovska River basin), 05.07.2026. Photo by Trajche Dimitrovski.
Veronica spicata subsp. spicata – flowers. Osogovo -Probishtip: Stari Grad – rock cliffs above the Eshterec Stream (Zletovska River basin), 05.07.2026. Photo by Trajche Dimitrovski.
Veronica spicata subsp. spicata – flowers. Osogovo -Probishtip: Stari Grad – rock cliffs above the Eshterec Stream (Zletovska River basin), 05.07.2026. Photo by Trajche Dimitrovski.
Veronica spicata subsp. spicata – flowers. Osogovo -Probishtip: Stari Grad – rock cliffs above the Eshterec Stream (Zletovska River basin), 05.07.2026. Photo by Trajche Dimitrovski.
Veronica spicata subsp. spicata – flowers. Osogovo -Probishtip: Stari Grad – rock cliffs above the Eshterec Stream (Zletovska River basin), 05.07.2026. Photo by Trajche Dimitrovski.
Veronica spicata subsp. spicata – flowers. Osogovo -Probishtip: Stari Grad – rock cliffs above the Eshterec Stream (Zletovska River basin), 05.07.2026. Photo by Trajche Dimitrovski.
Veronica spicata subsp. spicata – flowers. Osogovo -Probishtip: Stari Grad – rock cliffs above the Eshterec Stream (Zletovska River basin), 05.07.2026. Photo by Trajche Dimitrovski.
Veronica spicata subsp. spicata – spent flowers. Osogovo -Probishtip: Stari Grad – rock cliffs above the Eshterec Stream (Zletovska River basin), 05.07.2026. Photo by Trajche Dimitrovski.
Veronica spicata subsp. spicata – fruiting inflorescence. Osogovo -Probishtip: Stari Grad – rock cliffs above the Eshterec Stream (Zletovska River basin), 05.07.2026. Photo by Trajche Dimitrovski.
Veronica spicata subsp. spicata – capsules. Osogovo -Probishtip: Stari Grad – rock cliffs above the Eshterec Stream (Zletovska River basin), 05.07.2026. Photo by Trajche Dimitrovski.
Veronica spicata subsp. spicata – capsules. Osogovo -Probishtip: Stari Grad – rock cliffs above the Eshterec Stream (Zletovska River basin), 05.07.2026. Photo by Trajche Dimitrovski.
Veronica spicata subsp. spicata – capsules. Osogovo -Probishtip: Stari Grad – rock cliffs above the Eshterec Stream (Zletovska River basin), 05.07.2026. Photo by Trajche Dimitrovski.
Veronica spicata subsp. spicata – upper leaves. Osogovo -Probishtip: Stari Grad – rock cliffs above the Eshterec Stream (Zletovska River basin), 05.07.2026. Photo by Trajche Dimitrovski.
Veronica spicata subsp. spicata – upper leaves. Osogovo -Probishtip: Stari Grad – rock cliffs above the Eshterec Stream (Zletovska River basin), 05.07.2026. Photo by Trajche Dimitrovski.
Veronica spicata subsp. spicata – stem with leaves. Osogovo -Probishtip: Stari Grad – rock cliffs above the Eshterec Stream (Zletovska River basin), 05.07.2026. Photo by Trajche Dimitrovski.
Veronica spicata subsp. spicata – stem with leaves. Osogovo -Probishtip: Stari Grad – rock cliffs above the Eshterec Stream (Zletovska River basin), 05.07.2026. Photo by Trajche Dimitrovski.
Veronica spicata subsp. spicata – stem with leaves. Osogovo -Probishtip: Stari Grad – rock cliffs above the Eshterec Stream (Zletovska River basin), 05.07.2026. Photo by Trajche Dimitrovski.
Veronica spicata subsp. spicata – lower leaves. Osogovo -Probishtip: Stari Grad – rock cliffs above the Eshterec Stream (Zletovska River basin), 05.07.2026. Photo by Trajche Dimitrovski.
Veronica spicata subsp. spicata – vegetative shoot. Osogovo -Probishtip: Stari Grad – rock cliffs above the Eshterec Stream (Zletovska River basin), 05.07.2026. Photo by Trajche Dimitrovski.
Veronica spicata subsp. spicata – vegetative shoot. Osogovo -Probishtip: Stari Grad – rock cliffs above the Eshterec Stream (Zletovska River basin), 05.07.2026. Photo by Trajche Dimitrovski.
Veronica spicata subsp. spicata – vegetative shoot. Osogovo -Probishtip: Stari Grad – rock cliffs above the Eshterec Stream (Zletovska River basin), 05.07.2026. Photo by Trajche Dimitrovski.
Veronica spicata subsp. spicata – vegetative shoots. Osogovo -Probishtip: Stari Grad – rock cliffs above the Eshterec Stream (Zletovska River basin), 05.07.2026. Photo by Trajche Dimitrovski.
Veronica spicata subsp. spicata – leaf. Osogovo -Probishtip: Stari Grad – rock cliffs above the Eshterec Stream (Zletovska River basin), 05.07.2026. Photo by Trajche Dimitrovski.
Veronica spicata subsp. spicata – adaxial side of leaf. Osogovo -Probishtip: Stari Grad – rock cliffs above the Eshterec Stream (Zletovska River basin), 05.07.2026. Photo by Trajche Dimitrovski.
Veronica spicata subsp. spicata – adaxial side of leaf. Osogovo -Probishtip: Stari Grad – rock cliffs above the Eshterec Stream (Zletovska River basin), 05.07.2026. Photo by Trajche Dimitrovski.
Veronica spicata subsp. spicata – adaxial side of leaf. Osogovo -Probishtip: Stari Grad – rock cliffs above the Eshterec Stream (Zletovska River basin), 05.07.2026. Photo by Trajche Dimitrovski.
Veronica spicata subsp. spicata – abaxial side of leaf. Osogovo -Probishtip: Stari Grad – rock cliffs above the Eshterec Stream (Zletovska River basin), 05.07.2026. Photo by Trajche Dimitrovski.
Veronica spicata subsp. spicata – abaxial side of leaf. Osogovo -Probishtip: Stari Grad – rock cliffs above the Eshterec Stream (Zletovska River basin), 05.07.2026. Photo by Trajche Dimitrovski.
Veronica spicata subsp. spicata – abaxial side of leaf. Osogovo -Probishtip: Stari Grad – rock cliffs above the Eshterec Stream (Zletovska River basin), 05.07.2026. Photo by Trajche Dimitrovski.
Veronica spicata subsp. spicata – abaxial side of leaf. Osogovo -Probishtip: Stari Grad – rock cliffs above the Eshterec Stream (Zletovska River basin), 05.07.2026. Photo by Trajche Dimitrovski.
Veronica spicata subsp. spicata – abaxial side of leaf. Osogovo -Probishtip: Stari Grad – rock cliffs above the Eshterec Stream (Zletovska River basin), 05.07.2026. Photo by Trajche Dimitrovski.
Veronica spicata subsp. spicata – stem. Osogovo -Probishtip: Stari Grad – rock cliffs above the Eshterec Stream (Zletovska River basin), 05.07.2026. Photo by Trajche Dimitrovski.
Veronica spicata subsp. spicata – stem. Osogovo -Probishtip: Stari Grad – rock cliffs above the Eshterec Stream (Zletovska River basin), 05.07.2026. Photo by Trajche Dimitrovski.
Veronica spicata subsp. spicata – stem. Osogovo -Probishtip: Stari Grad – rock cliffs above the Eshterec Stream (Zletovska River basin), 05.07.2026. Photo by Trajche Dimitrovski.
Veronica spicata subsp. spicata – stem. Osogovo -Probishtip: Stari Grad – rock cliffs above the Eshterec Stream (Zletovska River basin), 05.07.2026. Photo by Trajche Dimitrovski.

Scaled images. Specimens from Probishtip, Stari Grad – rock cliffs above the Eshterec Stream (Zletovska River basin). Date: 05.07.2026.

Veronica spicata subsp. spicata – habit. Scale in cm. Photo by Trajche Dimitrovski.
Veronica spicata subsp. spicata – habit. Scale in cm. Photo by Trajche Dimitrovski.
Veronica spicata subsp. spicata – habit. Scale in cm. Photo by Trajche Dimitrovski.
Veronica spicata subsp. spicata – habit. Scale in cm. Photo by Trajche Dimitrovski.
Veronica spicata subsp. spicata – habit. Scale in cm. Photo by Trajche Dimitrovski.
Veronica spicata subsp. spicata – habit. Scale in cm. Photo by Trajche Dimitrovski.
Veronica spicata subsp. spicata – habit. Scale in cm. Photo by Trajche Dimitrovski.
Veronica spicata subsp. spicata – inflorescence. Scale in cm. Photo by Trajche Dimitrovski.
Veronica spicata subsp. spicata – inflorescence. Scale in cm. Photo by Trajche Dimitrovski.
Veronica spicata subsp. spicata – inflorescences. Scale in cm. Photo by Trajche Dimitrovski.
Veronica spicata subsp. spicata – inflorescences. Scale in cm. Photo by Trajche Dimitrovski.
Veronica spicata subsp. spicata – parts of inflorescence with flowers. Scale in mm. Photo by Trajche Dimitrovski.
Veronica spicata subsp. spicata – flowers: a- anthers, f – filaments, s- style; cl- corolla lobes, ct- corolla tube, clx- calyx. Scale in mm. Photo by Trajche Dimitrovski.
Veronica spicata subsp. spicata . A: corolla tube. B: and : calyx. D: stem. Scale in cm. Photo by Trajche Dimitrovski.
Veronica spicata subsp. spicata – indumentum of calyx and bracts. Scale in cm. Photo by Trajche Dimitrovski.

References:

Diklić, N. 1974. Rod Veronica L. in Josifović, M. (1974). Flora SR Srbije VI. Srpska Akademija Nauka i Umetnosti, Beograd, pp. 175–220.

Veronica spicata subsp. spicata. Plants of the World Online, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:77225272-1 [Accessed 01.08.2026].

Veronica spicata subsp. spicata. Marhold, K. 2011+: Veronica. – In: Euro+Med PlantBase – the information resource for Euro-Mediterranean plant diversity. Published at https://europlusmed.org/. https://europlusmed.org/cdm_dataportal/taxon/f8648853-fa5c-4dc5-95ac-24302af6dd38 [Accessed 01.08.2026].

Walters, S. M. and Webb D. A.; spp. 36-40 based on data provided by Marchant, N.G. 1972. Veronica L. (incl. Pseudolysimachium (Koch) Opiz). In Tutin, T. G., Heywood, V. H., Burges, N. A., Moore, D. M., Valentine, D. H., Walters, S. M. & Webb, D. A. (eds.), Flora Europaea. Volume 3: Diapensiaceae to Myoporaceae. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, pp. 242–251.