Eyebright Euphrasia sp.
Table of Contents
Plant family: Orobanchaceae
Flowering period: June – September
Flower colour: White
Preferred soil type: Free draining, calcareous
Habitat: Short grassland, meadows, heathland, waste areas
Status: Common
General information
A low growing, annual wildflower growing to a height of 30cm. It’s found in short grassy places, especially on heathland, windswept cliff tops & hillsides, thriving in dry, free draining soils, particularly on chalky, calcareous soils. There are around 20 different species, with many more hybrids, all very similar in appearance, which make identification extremely difficult.
As with yellow rattle, eyebrights are semi-parasitic, in that they attach themselves to the roots of other plants and grasses, robbing them of nutrients, thus weakening them. For this reason, its extremely beneficial, as it keeps unwanted, coarse grasses at bay, while the desirable wildflowers and finer grasses are allowed to flourish.
Identification
Flowers:
Leaves:
Value for wildlife
Uses for eyebright
As its name suggests, eyebright is often used to treat eye conditions, such as conjunctivitis and eyestrain. It has also been known to treat other ailments including coughs & colds, earache, headache and sinuses.
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