Eyebright
Euphrasia officinalis

Distinguishing Features

Eyebright can be identified by its small, oval-shaped leaves, and small white or lilac flowers. The flowers have a black center, and purple streaks on the petals with a central yellow spot. It can be hard to spot as sometimes this plant does not grow very high and unless it is in bloom it blends in with other plants.

Flowers

Eyebright flowers are primarily white, or lilac with purple-veins. The corolla is two-lipped, its lower, tube-like portion being enclosed in a green calyx, tipped with four teeth. The upper lip is two-lobed and arches over the stamens forming a shelter-like structure. The lower lip is spreading and three-lobed, each lobe being notched. A yellow patch emphasizes the central lobe and purple 'honey guides' on both upper and lower lips - marked streaks of colour - point the way down the throat. It has four stamens, with brown, downy anthers. It blooms from June to September.

Leaves

Eyebright leaves are usually between 1/2 to 1 cm (1/6” to ½”) long and roughly .6cm ( ¼”) wide. Some of the leaves are narrow and pointed at the end, while others are more rounded at the tip. The leaves grow along with the stem in opposite pairs.

Height

This is a very small plant that grows anywhere from 10 to 25cm ( 4-10”). The stem is erect and wiry, either unbranched in smaller plants, or with several opposite branches in the taller plants.

Habitat

Eyebright can be found throughout North America, Europe, Northern and Western Asia. It prefers grassy areas and meadows. Eyebrights are found in alpine or sub-alpine meadows where snow is common.

Edible Parts

The stems, leaves and flowers are all edible.

Other Name

Meadow Eyebright.

Similar Plants

Euphrasia minima.

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