Eyebright
Eyebright (Euphrasia officinalis) (and Euphrasia nemerosa – common eyebright) are herbaceous flowering plants in the Orobanchaceae (broomrape) family. There are 215 species are some are hard to tell apart because they freely hybridize.
- Eyebrights are hemiparasitic on grasses and other plants.
- The plants are low-growing and have terminal flowers.
- The yoke-shaped flowers have a blend of colors, attracting pollinators.
- With so many species adapted to different conditions, they can be spotted in a range of habitats, but usually on wet soil, and not in the dry valley bottoms.
- We see them every summer in the Lac le Jeune area, often on trails, growing among the grasses.
- Some photos are shared here, taken by the author while hiking. Click an image for a lightbox view.
The name “eyebright” comes from the plant’s reputation for herbal/medicinal values.
- Pieces of stem, leaves, or flowers have been used in a poultice for eye conditions.
- Traditional herbalists have used the plant for other ailments.
- Caution should be taken when following herbal remedies.
- More Wildflowers