Alpine speedwell is a perennial found in wet meadows and seep zones in areas to the east. They are part of the veronica (and figwort) family. Flowers are usually found in clusters at the top of the stalk.

Flowers are blue-violet with creamy centers. Stalks are unbranched, hairy and sticky. This one was spotted on Mount Revelstoke in the wet meadows on the trail to Jade Pass.

Speedwell was also used as a traditional herb to treat coughs or wounds. A cousin-variety with larger, showy flowers can also be found in the Manning Park-Cathedral Park area. It is generally absent from drier areas. We have to travel to wetter areas with late-season snowpacks to find these flowers.