Veronica nummularia

Perennial of the Plantaginaceae family, this veronica is a strictly Pyrenean species, endemic to the massif, where it colonizes rocks, cliff fissures, and rocky alpine lawns, generally between 1,800 and 2,800 meters, on calcareous or siliceous substrates.

It forms very dense prostrate cushions, only 3 to 8 cm in height, closely hugging the rock on which it settles. The leaves are very small, rounded to oval, fleshy, with a shiny green, slightly crenate edges, which gives it its epithet nummularia, evoking small coins arranged along the creeping stems.

The flowers are an intense blue-violet to deep blue, gathered in small tight groups that cover the cushion to the point of almost entirely masking the foliage in full bloom. The effect is particularly dense and colorful for a plant of this size.

In its natural habitat, its flowering extends from July to August depending on the altitude.

In cultivation, it requires perfect drainage, a sunny exposure, and poorly tolerates stagnant winter moisture. It thrives in rock fissures, alpine troughs, or well-constructed limestone rock gardens. It is one of the most sought-after alpine veronicas by mountain plant collectors.