Spiked Speedwell
VU

Spiked Speedwell

Veronica spicata

Unknown

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Veronica_spicata

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

Spiked Speedwell faces severe decline across its European range due to intensive agricultural practices that have eliminated traditional hay meadows and chalk grasslands. Agricultural intensification, including increased fertilizer use and conversion to arable crops, has destroyed much of its specialized calcareous grassland habitat. Urban development and quarrying activities continue to fragment remaining populations, while changes in grazing regimes have allowed scrubland encroachment that outcompetes this light-demanding species.

Threat summary

Habitat

Spiked Speedwell inhabits dry, calcareous grasslands, chalk downs, and limestone pavements across Europe, typically growing in short, species-rich turf on well-drained soils. The species requires open, sunny conditions and is particularly associated with traditional hay meadows and extensively grazed pastures on alkaline substrates.

TERRESTRIAL· majorTERRESTRIAL· majorTERRESTRIAL· major

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Spiked Speedwell classified as Vulnerable?
Spiked Speedwell is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. Spiked Speedwell faces severe decline across its European range due to intensive agricultural practices that have eliminated traditional hay meadows and chalk grasslands. Agricultural intensification, including increased fertilizer use and conversion to arable crops, has destroyed much of its specialized calcareous grassland habitat. Urban development and quarrying activities continue to fragment remaining populations, while changes in grazing regimes have allowed scrubland encroachment that outcompetes this light-demanding species.
Where does Spiked Speedwell live?
Spiked Speedwell occurs in across multiple regions. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Spiked Speedwell?
The main threats to Spiked Speedwell are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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