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Euphrasia nemorosa
Euphrasia nemorosa (Pers.) Wallr.
Common Eyebright, Eyebright
Scrophulariaceae (Figwort Family)
Synonym(s): Euphrasia americana, Euphrasia arctica ssp. borealis, Euphrasia borealis, Euphrasia canadensis, Euphrasia curta, Euphrasia pectinata, Euphrasia tatarica
USDA Symbol: EUNE3
USDA Native Status: L48 (N), AK (I), CAN (N), SPM (N)
A small plant with short, spike-like, terminal clusters of pale lavender flowers on a hairy stem and its branches.
There are several species of eyebright, native to the colder regions. They are partly parasitic on the roots of other plants. The common name refers to the fact that the plants were at one time used to treat eye diseases and improve vision. The genus name, from the Greek word for "cheerfulness," may allude to the same properties.
Plant Characteristics
Duration: AnnualHabit: Herb
Fruit Type: Capsule
Size Notes: Up to about 16 inches tall.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: White , Yellow , PurpleBloom Time: Jun , Jul , Aug , Sep , Oct , Nov
Distribution
USA: CT , MA , ME , MI , MN , NH , VT , WACanada: AB , BC , NB , NL , NS , ON , PE , QC
Native Distribution: There is disagreement between USDA Plants and several other authorities as to the nativity of this species in North America. Most authorities consider it introduced.
Native Habitat: Fields and roadsides.
Growing Conditions
Soil pH: Alkaline (pH>7.2)CaCO3 Tolerance: High
Web Reference
Webref 62 - Burke Herbarium Image Collection (2020) University of WashingtonWebref 38 - Flora of North America (2019) Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis, MO & Harvard University Herbaria, Cambridge, MA.
Webref 23 - Southwest Environmental Information Network (2009) SEINet - Arizona Chapter
Additional resources
USDA: Find Euphrasia nemorosa in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Euphrasia nemorosa in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Euphrasia nemorosa
Metadata
Record Modified: 2023-05-18Research By: TWC Staff