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 Toothwort, Confused Eyebright, Crested Cow-wheat, Cumbrian Eyebright, Davey Vigurs Eyebright, English Sticky 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:
50 centimetres tall
Habitats:
Grassland, heathland, meadows, moorland, mountains, wasteland.
Common Slender Eyebright bears very small, pale lilac to whitish flowers with faint purple veins and a central yellow patch on the lower lip. The flowers are typically less than 6 mm across, making them among the smallest in the Euphrasia genus. They are two-lipped in structure, with the upper lip hooded and the lower lip three-lobed. Flowering generally occurs between July and September, with blooms often nestled among grasses and mosses in upland pastures.
Fruit:
The fruit consists of a narrow, upright capsule that appears shortly after flowering. Each capsule contains numerous tiny seeds, which are dispersed locally by gravity and rain splash. Seed dispersal is limited, contributing to the plant’s patchy distribution. Populations tend to persist in stable, undisturbed grassland or moorland environments.
Leaves:
Leaves are tiny, opposite, and sharply toothed, with a narrow, lance-shaped or ovate form. The plant has a delicate appearance, with slender, sparsely branched stems usually reaching just 5–15 cm tall. Leaf surfaces are often slightly hairy, particularly along the margins and stems. The small size and fine texture help the plant remain unobtrusive in open upland grassland.
Fragrance:
There is no noticeable scent from Euphrasia micrantha. The flowers do not produce fragrance to attract pollinators, instead relying on visual markings and nectar guides to appeal to small insects like flies and solitary bees.
Other Names:
Northern Eyebright, Purple-stemmed Eyebright, Slender Heath Eyebright.
Frequency (UK):
Occasionally seen
Summary
Euphrasia micrantha 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
Common Slender Eyebright (Euphrasia micrantha) is a beautiful and unique plant that is widely distributed throughout the world. This plant is a member of the Scrophulariaceae family and is found in temperate regions of Europe, Asia, and North America.
One of the most striking features of this plant is its delicate and slender appearance. The stems grow to a height of 10 to 30 cm, and are lined with tiny, slender leaves that give the plant a delicate look. The leaves are usually oval in shape and have a slightly glossy texture, which makes them quite appealing.
The flowers of Common Slender Eyebright are equally stunning. They are small, but bright and cheerful, with an overall yellowish-green color. The flowers are arranged in spikes, and they bloom from mid-summer to early autumn. They are a favorite of many insects and birds, which makes this plant a valuable addition to any wildlife garden.
Another unique characteristic of this plant is its traditional use in herbal medicine. Eyebrights have been used for centuries to treat eye infections and other eye problems, hence the name "eyebright." The plant contains several active compounds, including iridoids, flavonoids, and phenols, which have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. Some studies have also suggested that it may have potential as a natural remedy for certain conditions such as cataracts, conjunctivitis, and other eye disorders.
Despite its many benefits, Common Slender Eyebright is not commonly grown in gardens, perhaps because it can be quite difficult to propagate. This plant does best in well-drained soils in areas with plenty of sunlight, but it can also tolerate some shade. It can be grown from seed or cuttings, but it can be difficult to get the plants to establish themselves, especially if they are grown in areas with harsh climates.
In conclusion, Common Slender Eyebright is a delicate and beautiful plant that is not only lovely to look at but also has many health benefits. This plant is ideal for gardens, especially those that are designed to attract wildlife, and it can also be a valuable addition to any herb garden. If you are interested in growing this plant, be sure to give it the proper care and attention it needs, and you will be rewarded with a beautiful and unique addition to your garden.
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