Veronica peregrina in Lithuania
Veronica peregrina (Plantaginaceae) is native to the Americas. In North America it is reported to have weedy tendencies, and is potentially invasive in some areas. It has been reported from several countries in the EPPO region. V. peregrina was first recorded in Lithuania in 1829 with no additional records for almost two centuries. In May 2023, V. peregrina was rediscovered in Vilnius, Lithuania. In total, three small patches were discovered growing in between paving stones in a parking lot with the population comprising of approximately 700 individuals. Solitary specimens and smaller groups of plants were distributed over 1500 m2. Flowering individuals were first recorded. V. peregrina was mostly growing in shady humid places under Spiraea shrubs along north-facing borders. It is presumed that the seeds of V. peregrina could have been introduced with plants from nurseries. The spread of this species in anthropogenic habitats in Lithuania was predicted to be likely. V. peregrina is currently considered a casual alien in Lithuania.
Sources
Petrulaitis L (2023) Veronica peregrina (Plantaginaceae), an alien species rediscovered in Lithuania. Botanica 29, 91-95.