In the bog

[Howey]

This little plant has segmented runners and the 4/5 petal deep blue flowers bloom on 2 inch stems.  The stamens are prominent - made me think of Hebe/Veronica.  The basal leaves are 1 inch long, shiny and convex.  Fran

Frances Howey
London, Ontario, Canada
Zone 5b

[Lori S.]

Sorry, I'm no help!  Maybe a closer photo would be helpful?  Which plant do the flowers come from?

[Lori S.]

Hmmm, did you happen to plant Polygonum hookeri there?

http://www.google.ca/imgres?imgurl=http://zrehacek.myplus.org/os/obrP/Polygon_hookeri.jpg&imgrefurl=http://zrehacek.myplus.org/os/P.htm&usg=__LECHx-6geOqVivhvYisNq5tMoLI=&h=525&w=700&sz=177&hl=en&start=0&zoom=1&tbnid=CoZfONbP7wtteM:&tbnh=122&tbnw=169&ei=cQ3bTYqIN6TliAKO-KQU&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dpolygonum%2Bhookeri%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26client%3Dsafari%26sa%3DN%26rls%3Den%26biw%3D1692%26bih%3D1224%26tbm%3Disch&um=1&itbs=1&iact=hc&vpx=485&vpy=79&dur=64&hovh=194&hovw=259&tx=107&ty=80&sqi=2&page=1&ndsp=62&ved=1t:429,r:2,s:0

I assume it's a planting, rather than a natural bog, as I think I see a pot rim (or something) there... ?

[RickR]

Never seen that before.

Pretty, though.

[Hoy]

If you can get a sharp picture of the flowers would help. I agree that it looks like a Veronica. However, speedwells have zygomorphic flowers and it is difficult to see in your picture. Seems to be a pretty plant though.

[Howey]

My apologies for the out of focus pic - perhaps it's time for a new camera?  Anyway, I should mention that the flowers came in sets of 3 on a stem - it is not zygomorphic - has wintered over OK and seems immune to competition from other plants, moss and liverwort.  Don't think I would have planted a polygonum.  BTW, the flowers have fallen now.  So the mystery continues...my garden is full of them.  We're off to Beausoleil Island on Georgian Bay up north where I am hoping to get some nice pictures (wild orchids?) to show on the forum.  Fran

Frances Howey
London, Ontario, Canada
Zone 5b

[Lori S.]

Sorry, I meant to ask if it might be Polygonatum hookeri:
http://www.google.ca/search?q=polygonatum%20hookeri&rls=com.microsoft:*:IE-SearchBox&oe=&redir_esc=&um=1&hl=en&biw=1260&bih=863&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=iw

[Hoy]

Sorry, I meant to ask if it might be Polygonatum hookeri:
http://www.google.ca/search?q=polygonatum%20hookeri&rls=com.microsoft:*:IE-SearchBox&oe=&redir_esc=&um=1&hl=en&biw=1260&bih=863&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=iw

I did understand that! I do not think it is a Polygonatum. It is more likely something like Anagallis.

[Todd Boland]

It is a veronica for sure but the species names evades me (I have seen it before)

[Howey]

Thanks to all who replied.  Am inclined to go along with your ID, Todd.  Those extended stamens spelled Veronica to me - now to find out the species.  Fran

[Todd Boland]

The fact that they are in a bog, I'd say its Veronica americana...American Brooklime.

[Howey]

That is probably what it is, Todd.  It probably came to me in the Seedex labelled Hebe? - don't think I ordered a Veronica - and I know they are somewhat related?  Have collected a few seeds which I'll probably put into the upcoming Seedex with the proper label.  Sure hope they come back next year - for someone who likes "little" plants, they are special.  Am keeping track of the first year flowerings in my garden and that is one of them.  Thanks for your help.  Fran