It was moved to the genus Besseya by Per Axel Rydberg in 1903.
Each flower is tubular, two-lipped (resembling a tiny snapdragon), and features two long, protruding stamens, which contribute to the fuzzy appearance of the spike. besseya alpina
While sometimes listed in modern taxonomy as Veronica besseya , this species remains fondly known as Besseya alpina among many botanists and wildflower enthusiasts. Botanical Description It was moved to the genus Besseya by
It is a rhizomatous perennial, meaning it spreads slowly through underground stems, forming patches in its native environment. Habitat and Distribution Botanical Description It is a rhizomatous perennial, meaning
In 2004, researchers proposed merging Besseya and Synthyris into the larger genus Veronica (the speedwells). Therefore, the plant is sometimes referred to as Veronica besseya , though the name Besseya alpina remains widely used in field guides. Cultivation and Gardening
The flowers are arranged in a dense, spike-like terminal inflorescence (the "spike") that rises above the basal leaves. The flowers themselves are small (approximately 6mm long) and primarily violet or light purple, though they can range from blue to lavender.