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Reveal, James L.

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.

From the Image Gallery

10 photo(s) available in the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Annual
Habit: Herb
Fruit Type: Capsule
Size Notes: Up to about 16 inches tall.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: White , Yellow , Purple
Bloom Time: Jun , Jul , Aug , Sep , Oct , Nov

Distribution

USA: CT , MA , ME , MI , MN , NH , VT , WA
Canada: 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 Washington
Webref 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 Plants
FNA: Find Euphrasia nemorosa in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Euphrasia nemorosa

Metadata

Record Modified: 2023-05-18
Research By: TWC Staff

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