Family: Plantaginaceae

Veronica persica (birdeye speedwell) is an annual, or sometimes biennial herb native to Eurasia. It has spread widely and can now be found in many parts of the world, including the Waimea region of Hawaii island. Veronica persica self-seeds, is dispersed by wind and as a crop contaminant, and has become a weed of disturbed sites, lawns, fields, roadsides, and several agricultural crops. It is also reported to be a host of harmful crop pathogens and insects.

High Risk Traits:

• Broad climate suitability
  
• Widely naturalized, including the Waimea region of Hawaii island.
  
• A common weed in disturbed sites, lawns, roadsides, and wastelands.
  
• A weed of several important agricultural crops
  
• Other Veronica species are invasive weeds
  
• Potentially allelopathic
  
• Unpalatable to cattle (but consumed by goats, sheep, and other animals)
  
• Host of crop pathogens and insect pests
  
• Tolerates many soil types
  
• Reproduces by seeds
  
• Self-compatible and often autogamous
  
• Reaches maturity in one growing season
  
• Seeds are dispersed by wind, as an impurity in crop seed, manure, and fodder, by ducks and possibly other waterfowl, by ants, earthworms, and possibly other means.
  
• Seeds form a persistent and long-lived seed bank

Low Risk Traits:

• Unarmed (no spines, thorns, or burrs)
  
• Palatable go goats, sheep, rabbits (but reportedly unpalatable to cattle)
  
• Non-toxic
  
• Grows best in high light environments (dense shade may inhibit spread)
  
• Mowing may provide effective control
  
• Herbicides may provide effective control