Veronica americana

American brooklime is an evergreen spreading herbaceous perennial. Plant along freshwater streams, seeps and ponds. Can tolerate very wet conditions. Delicate purple flowers May to August. Native to California and is also found elsewhere in North America and beyond. Helps bind soil to an area, especially along muddy banks where it commonly forms extensive mats. American brooklime is edible and nutritious and is reported to have a flavor similar to watercress. Native Americans used Veronica species as an expectorant tea to alleviate bronchial congestion associated with asthma and allergies. Found in found in freshwater wetlands where the ground is moist and often inundated with one to four inches of water. Communitites located in Freshwater Wetlands, Wetland-riparian Between 0 and 10500 feet .