Eyebright

Photo Copyright 2000 www.stevenfoster.com
(Euphrasia spp.)

A meadow plant growing in a range of soils, eyebright produces small white or purple flowers. The plant is collected when in full flower, and cut off just above the root. It is used to improve sight and to aid in curing other eye diseases. An annual, eyebright is partially parasitic on grasses. It likes extra nitrogen, which may cause it to favor pasture land.

The plant is chiefly collected from the wild. The impact of collection on wild populations is unknown, although concern for the sustainability of this plant is growing. If collected carefully, cutting the tops and leaving a few leaves, eyebright can send out side shoots, flower, and still produce seed during the growing season.