While the small, heart-shaped fruits are typical of the genus, the linear leaves and white flowers are a combination of characters sufficient to distinguish purslane speedwell from all other species of the genus. The specific epithet `peregrina` means `migratory` and refers to the rapid invasive characteristics of the species. The photos on pages 514, 515 of Weeds of Nebraska and the Great Plains 1994 are actually this species rather than Veronica arvensis as listed.