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Chalk Eyebright

Euphrasia pseudokerneri

Please keep in mind that it is illegal to uproot a plant without the landowner's consent and care should be taken at all times not to damage wild plants. Wild plants should never be picked for pleasure and some plants are protected by law.
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Contents

Plant Profile

Flowering Months:
JAN  FEB  MAR  APR  MAY  JUN  JUL  AUG  SEP  OCT  NOV  DEC
Order:
Lamiales
Family:
Orobanchaceae (Broomrape)
Type:
Flower
Life Cycle:
Annual
Maximum Size:
20 centimetres tall
Habitats:
Fens, grassland, meadows, seaside.

Flower:
֍
White, 5 petals
 
White or pale lilac flowers between 7 and 10mm across. Late flowering.
Fruit:
The fruit is a many-seeded capsule, at least twice as long as broad.
Leaves:
Dark green, glossy, roundish and stalkless leaves with serrated margins. Some leaves are purple. Usually seen growing on limy grassland.
Frequency (UK):
Unusual  

Similar Species

Other Information

Summary

Euphrasia pseudokerneri 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 15-50 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

Chalk Eyebright (Euphrasia pseudokerneri) is a beautiful and unique species of wildflower native to Europe and Asia. This plant is often referred to as the “chalk plant” because of its preference for growing in chalky soils. Despite its small size, Chalk Eyebright is a valuable species of eyebright and has many uses both in traditional medicine and in modern-day remedies.

The Chalk Eyebright plant has delicate, bright green leaves and small, tubular flowers that bloom in the summer months. The flowers are usually a shade of yellow or white and have distinctive black markings on their upper petals. The plant can grow to be about 8-15 cm tall and has a creeping, low-lying growth habit.

In traditional medicine, Chalk Eyebright was used as a remedy for eye-related problems such as conjunctivitis and other infections. The plant was believed to have soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, which made it a popular ingredient in eye drops and other remedies. In some parts of Europe, the plant was also used to treat respiratory problems and to help relieve coughs and colds.

Today, Chalk Eyebright is still used as a natural remedy for various health problems. It is believed to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that make it effective in treating eye problems, as well as reducing inflammation and soothing skin irritations. It is also used as a natural remedy for digestive problems, such as indigestion and upset stomachs, and is sometimes used to treat anxiety and depression.

In modern-day remedies, Chalk Eyebright is often used as an ingredient in herbal supplements, eye drops, and creams. It is also available in tea form, and can be consumed as a hot or cold beverage. Some people also use the plant to make a tincture or extract, which can be taken as a dietary supplement or used topically on the skin.

If you are interested in incorporating Chalk Eyebright into your natural health regimen, it is important to talk to your doctor or a qualified herbalist first. Like all herbal remedies, Chalk Eyebright can have side effects and may interact with other medications you are taking. It is also important to use the plant in moderation, as excessive consumption can have harmful effects on your health.

Chalk Eyebright is a fascinating and valuable species of wildflower with a long history of use in traditional medicine. Whether you are looking for a natural remedy for eye problems or simply want to incorporate more herbs into your health routine, Chalk Eyebright is a plant worth considering.

In addition to its medicinal properties, Chalk Eyebright is also an important species for wildlife and biodiversity. The plant provides an important source of food and habitat for a variety of insects, including bees and butterflies. This in turn supports the health and survival of other species in the ecosystem.

However, despite its importance, Chalk Eyebright is considered to be a vulnerable species and its population is declining in some areas due to habitat loss and degradation. This makes it important to protect remaining populations of this species and to conserve its natural habitat.

One way to do this is to promote sustainable agriculture practices that support biodiversity and protect wildflower habitats. Another way is to support conservation efforts, such as planting Chalk Eyebright in gardens and other cultivated areas, or participating in local conservation initiatives.

Overall, Chalk Eyebright is a unique and valuable species with a rich history of use in traditional medicine and an important role in maintaining ecosystem health. Whether you are interested in using it for its medicinal properties or simply appreciate its beauty, it is a plant worth learning more about and protecting for future generations.

Another way to support the conservation of Chalk Eyebright and other wildflowers is to avoid the use of pesticides and other harmful chemicals in your garden and around your home. These chemicals can harm not only the plants themselves, but also the insects and other wildlife that depend on them for survival.

Instead, consider using organic methods to manage pests and diseases, such as companion planting, handpicking, and using natural predators like ladybugs to control harmful insects. By taking these steps, you can help protect Chalk Eyebright and other wildflowers while also creating a healthier and more sustainable environment.

Additionally, it is important to be mindful of where you source Chalk Eyebright and other herbs and supplements. Look for products that are sustainably and ethically sourced, and avoid products that may be harvested from wild populations or that are grown using harmful chemicals and practices.

In summary, Chalk Eyebright is a valuable species that has many important uses and benefits. By protecting its natural habitat, using sustainable practices, and supporting conservation efforts, we can help ensure that this species continues to thrive and provide benefits to both people and wildlife for generations to come.


Distribution Map

Reproduced by kind permission of the BSBI.

Click to open an Interactive Map