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Campbell's Eyebright

Euphrasia campbelliae

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.
For more information please download the BSBI Code of Conduct PDF document.

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:
Grassland, heathland, meadows, seaside.

Flower:
֍
White, 5 petals
 
The flowers of Campbell's Eyebright have a pinkish-lilac upper lip and the lower lip is white and 3-lobed. Flowers measure 5 to 7mm across.
Fruit:
The fruit is a capsule.
Leaves:
A low-growing Eyebright with small leaves that are unstalked, oval and toothed. This species can be found in the Isles of Lewis and Harris in Scotland. Rare.
Frequency (UK):
Rarely seen  

Similar Species

Other Information

Summary

Euphrasia campbelliae 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 10-20 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. It is named after the Scottish botanist John Campbell.

Blog

Campbell's Eyebright, scientifically known as Euphrasia campbelliae, is a species of flowering plant that belongs to the family Orobanchaceae. It is native to the mountain regions of the western United States, where it grows in rocky, alpine habitats. The plant is named after its discoverer, Charles Campbell, who was an American botanist and botanical collector.

The small, delicate flowers of Campbell's Eyebright are bright yellow or yellow-green and are typically arranged in spikes along the stem. The plant is a hardy, low-growing species that can reach up to 20 centimeters in height and can form large, dense colonies in its native habitats. The leaves are linear and arranged alternately along the stem, and the stems are often reddish-brown in color.

One of the most interesting aspects of Campbell's Eyebright is its use as a medicinal herb. The plant has been used for centuries in traditional medicine for the treatment of eye ailments, such as conjunctivitis, styes, and other eye infections. It is believed that the plant's anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties help to soothe the eyes and speed the healing process.

In addition to its use as a medicinal herb, Campbell's Eyebright is also of interest to botanists and conservationists. The species is considered to be an indicator of high-elevation, alpine habitats and is therefore important for understanding the ecology of these unique environments. It is also considered to be a rare and declining species, with populations in some areas threatened by human activities such as recreation, grazing, and the introduction of non-native plant species.

Despite its importance, Campbell's Eyebright is still not well-known to the general public. However, its beauty and unique medicinal properties make it a fascinating species that is worth learning more about. Whether you are a botanist, a naturalist, or simply someone who appreciates the wonders of nature, Campbell's Eyebright is a species that is sure to captivate you.

Campbell's Eyebright is a beautiful and interesting plant species with a rich history of use in traditional medicine. It is also an important species for understanding the ecology of high-elevation, alpine habitats and for conserving the unique biodiversity of these areas. Whether you are a botanist, a naturalist, or just someone who loves plants, Campbell's Eyebright is definitely worth learning more about.

In addition to its medicinal properties, Campbell's Eyebright is also known for its ornamental value. The plant's delicate yellow or yellow-green flowers make it a charming addition to rock gardens and other alpine habitats. Additionally, its low-growing habit and hardiness make it an ideal choice for gardeners looking to create a naturalistic or wildflower-style garden.

Campbell's Eyebright is a hardy plant that can tolerate a wide range of growing conditions. It prefers well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade, and is well-suited to rocky, alpine habitats. However, it can also be grown in lower-elevation gardens, provided that it is given the right conditions. When grown in a garden, Campbell's Eyebright will typically flower from late spring to early summer.

If you are interested in growing Campbell's Eyebright in your garden, it is important to obtain seeds or plants from a reputable source. The species is considered to be rare in some areas, and it is important to avoid harvesting plants from the wild or purchasing plants that have been collected from wild populations. Instead, look for seeds or plants that have been grown from cultivated stock, which will help to ensure the long-term survival of the species in the wild.

Campbell's Eyebright is a fascinating and beautiful species that is well worth adding to your garden. Whether you are interested in its medicinal properties, ornamental value, or simply its unique place in the natural world, this plant is sure to captivate you.

Campbell's Eyebright is also a popular ingredient in herbal remedies and natural health products. The plant's anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties make it an ideal ingredient for eye drops, salves, and other products that are used to soothe and heal the eyes. Additionally, the plant's natural compounds may also have potential benefits for other health conditions, such as allergies, respiratory issues, and skin problems.

However, it's important to note that self-treating with Campbell's Eyebright is not recommended without the guidance of a healthcare professional. The plant can interact with other medications, and its use may cause side effects in some people. Additionally, some parts of the plant can be toxic if consumed in large quantities, so it is important to use caution and follow instructions when using Campbell's Eyebright as a remedy.

Campbell's Eyebright is a fascinating species with a rich history of use in traditional medicine, and it has many interesting properties that make it a valuable plant to learn about. Whether you are interested in its medicinal properties, ornamental value, or simply its unique place in the natural world, this plant is sure to captivate you. If you are looking for an interesting and unique plant to add to your garden or collection, Campbell's Eyebright is definitely worth considering.


Distribution Map

Reproduced by kind permission of the BSBI.

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