Eyebright (Euphrasia officinalis) is a small annual herb native to Europe, traditionally used in herbal medicine for its eye-related benefits. It thrives in grasslands and meadows, reaching heights of 10-30 cm. The plant features small, white to purple flowers with a distinctive yellow spot and serrated leaves. In agroecology, Eyebright is valued for its ability to grow in nutrient-poor soils, enhancing biodiversity and soil health. It plays a role in the herbaceous layer of a food forest, often forming symbiotic relationships with grasses and legumes. Historically, it has been used in European folk medicine for treating eye ailments. As a companion plant, it can attract beneficial insects such as hoverflies, which help control aphid populations.
Growing Details
Eyebright prefers well-drained, slightly alkaline soils and full sun exposure. It is often found in nutrient-poor grasslands and meadows. Due to its semi-parasitic nature, it benefits from being planted near grasses or legumes. Mulching with organic matter can help retain soil moisture. Common mistakes include overwatering and planting in overly fertile soils, which can inhibit its growth. Harvest the aerial parts in full bloom for medicinal use, and dry them in a well-ventilated area for storag
The map shows known occurrence points of <strong>Euphrasia officinalis</strong> recorded in scientific biodiversity databases.
Source: <a href="https://www.gbif.org" target="_blank">GBIF.org</a> โ Global Biodiversity Information Facility
Location & Timing
native geo location: Native to Europe, found in grasslands and mea
applicable geo region: Europe
language used: en
Flowering:
middle
of Jun for 60 days
Harvest:
middle
of August for 30 days
Seed Start:
?
Indoor Start:
Transplant:
Uses & Benefits
Edible Rating:
(1/5)
edible uses: Eyebright is not commonly used as a food source, but its leaves can be dried and used to make herbal teas, particularly for their soothing properties.
Medicinal Rating:
(4/5)
medicinal uses: Eyebright is traditionally used to treat eye-related ailments, such as conjunctivitis and eye strain, due to its anti-inflammatory and astringent properties. It is often prepared as a tea or tincture. Caution is advised as excessive use can lead to irritation or allergic reactions.
health concerns: Eyebright should be used with caution, as excessive use can lead to irritation or allergic reactions. It is advisable to consult a healthcare professional before use.
other uses:
Scientific Literature
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Botanical data
specie: Euphrasia officinalis
common names: Eyebright; Euphrasia; Red Eyebright
family: Orobanchaceae
sub family:
tribe:
sub tribe:
genus: Euphrasia
Growing Conditions
area needed: 0.1 m
spacing: 0.1 m
growing difficulty: High
Deciduous / Evergreen: Evergreen
Seed Temp (Opt/Min/Max): 15ยฐC / 10ยฐC / 20ยฐC
Plant Temp (Opt/Min/Max): 15ยฐC / 10ยฐC / 25ยฐC
water demands: Medium
humidity:
light demands: High
root type: Shallow
frost tender: Medium
hardness:โโโโโโโโโโ(6/10)
first harvest: 90 years
life span: 1 years
succession: Pioneer
growth rate: Slow
max height: 0.3 m
max width: 0.1 m
soil preference:
Poor Soil
pH preference:
Neutral
flower type:
Hermaphrodite
growth details: Eyebright prefers well-drained, slightly alkaline soils and full sun exposure. It is often found in nutrient-poor grasslands and meadows. Due to its semi-parasitic nature, it benefits from being planted near grasses or legumes. Mulching with organic matter can help retain soil moisture. Common mistakes include overwatering and planting in overly fertile soils, which can inhibit its growth. Harvest the aerial parts in full bloom for medicinal use, and dry them in a well-ventilated area for storag
Potential Disturbances: Eyebright is generally resistant to pests, but may occasionally suffer from fungal diseases in overly wet conditions. To manage pests naturally, encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings. Companion planting with garlic or chives can help deter fungal issues.
Growth Timeline
Recipes Using This Plant
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