Flowering Months:
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
Family:
Orobanchaceae (Broomrape)
Also in this family:
Alpine Bartsia, Arctic Eyebright, Bedstraw Broomrape, Campbell's Eyebright, Chalk Eyebright, Cold Eyebright, Common Broomrape, Common Cow-wheat, Common Eyebright, Common Slender Eyebright, Common Toothwort, Confused Eyebright, Crested Cow-wheat, Cumbrian Eyebright, Davey Vigurs Eyebright, Eyebright, Field Cow-wheat, Foula Eyebright, Greater Broomrape, Greater Yellowrattle, Heslop Harrison's Eyebright, Irish Eyebright, Ivy Broomrape, Knapweed Broomrape, Lousewort, Maritime Eyebright, Marsh Lousewort, Marshall's Eyebright, Ostenfeld's Eyebright, Oxtongue Broomrape, Purple Toothwort, Red Bartsia, Round-leaved Eyebright, Scottish Eyebright, Small Cow-wheat, Thistle Broomrape, Thyme Broomrape, Welsh Eyebright, Yarrow Broomrape, Yellow Bartsia, Yellowrattle
Maximum Size:
20 centimetres tall
Habitats:
Farmland, grassland, heathland, meadows, moorland.
English Sticky Eyebright produces small, two-lipped flowers typically white or pale violet, often with purple veins and a yellow blotch on the lower lip. The flowers measure around 6–10 mm across and appear from July to September. As with other Euphrasia species, the upper lip is hooded while the lower lip is three-lobed and serves as a landing platform for pollinators. The flowers are usually slightly larger and more prominent than those of some closely related species.
Fruit:
The fruit is a narrow, upright capsule that forms after flowering, containing numerous tiny, dust-like seeds. These are primarily dispersed by gravity and rain splash. Limited seed dispersal and specific habitat requirements often result in localised populations, especially on unimproved or lightly grazed grassland.
Leaves:
Leaves are small, opposite, and sharply toothed with a slightly sticky texture—hence the common name. The stems and upper leaves are glandular-hairy, giving the plant a tacky feel. It is a low-growing annual, generally reaching 5–20 cm in height, and may be found on heathland, grassy slopes, and coastal grasslands, mainly in western and southern Britain.
Fragrance:
There is no noticeable fragrance from Euphrasia anglica. The flowers are visually adapted to attract small insects through colour contrast and nectar guides rather than scent.
Other Names:
Common Eyebright, English Eyebright, Glandular Eyebright, Small-flowered Sticky Eyebright, Sticky Eyebright.
Frequency (UK):
Occasionally seen
Summary
Euphrasia anglica, also known as English eyebright or common eyebright, is a species of flowering plant in the family Orobanchaceae. It is native to Europe and is known for its medicinal properties. The plant is used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including eye irritation, conjunctivitis, and other eye disorders. It is also used to treat respiratory and digestive problems. It is a perennial herb that grows to be about 15-20 cm tall, with small pink or purple flowers. The leaves are oblong in shape and grow in opposite pairs. The plant is commonly found in grassy meadows and pastures.
Blog
English Sticky Eyebright, scientifically known as Euphrasia anglica, is a wildflower species that belongs to the Orobanchaceae family. It is native to the UK, Ireland and parts of Europe, and is commonly found growing in damp meadows, pastures, and marshes.
The plant is a small herb that can grow up to 20 cm in height and is easily recognizable by its sticky, hairy stems and leaves. Its leaves are narrow and lance-shaped, and its small, five-petaled flowers are usually yellow or white in color, with purple markings around the central eye. The plant blooms from June to September and is a popular source of nectar for bees and other pollinators.
In traditional herbal medicine, Eyebright has been used for centuries to treat a variety of eye conditions, including conjunctivitis, blepharitis, and styes. The plant contains a number of active compounds, including tannins, iridoid glycosides, and flavonoids, which are believed to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
In addition to its use as an eye remedy, Eyebright has also been traditionally used to treat respiratory conditions such as sinusitis, hay fever, and bronchitis. The plant's anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties are thought to help soothe inflamed airways and promote the removal of mucus from the lungs.
However, it's important to note that there is limited scientific evidence to support the use of Eyebright for these conditions, and more research is needed to fully understand its effectiveness. If you're considering using Eyebright for medicinal purposes, it's always best to speak with a healthcare provider first to determine if it's right for you and to ensure that you're using it safely and correctly.
English Sticky Eyebright is a fascinating and versatile plant that has a long history of use in traditional medicine. Its small, delicate flowers and sticky, hairy leaves make it a charming addition to any wildflower garden, and its medicinal properties make it a valuable herb for those interested in natural health and wellness.
English Sticky Eyebright is also a popular ingredient in skincare products due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The plant's active compounds are believed to help soothe irritated skin, reduce redness and puffiness, and protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals. Some skincare products containing Eyebright extract are marketed as treatments for skin conditions such as rosacea, eczema, and acne, and many people report that they have seen positive results when using these products.
In addition to its use in skincare products, Eyebright is also sometimes used as a natural remedy for digestive complaints. The plant's anti-inflammatory properties are thought to help soothe an inflamed digestive tract and reduce symptoms such as bloating, gas, and indigestion. Some people also use Eyebright tea as a mild laxative to help relieve constipation.
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