Lukas Petrulaitis

Veronica peregrina (Plantaginaceae), an alien species rediscovered in Lithuania

Abstract Veronica peregrina L. (Plantaginaceae) is a native species to North and South America and an alien to Europe. This species was first found in Lithuania in 1829, and no later records were made for almost two centuries. In May 2023, Veronica peregrina was rediscovered in Vilnius, Lithuania. Groups of plants and solitary individuals were scattered over ca. 1500 m². A total of about 700 individuals were found. Observed plants belong to the type subspecies Veronica peregrina L. subsp. peregrina. It is presumed that seeds of Veronica peregrina could have been introduced with plants from nurseries. The spread of this species in anthropogenic habitats in Lithuania is quite likely. Veronica peregrina is currently considered a casual alien in Lithuania.

Doi https://doi.org/10.35513/Botlit.2023.2.6

Keywords annual species, nurseries, rare alien, seed contaminant, weeds

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