Northern eyebright (Euphrasia micrantha, Fl. Germ. Excurs.: 358 (1831))

Family: Orobanchaceae

Author: Rchb.

Bibliography: Fl. Germ. Excurs.: 358 (1831)

Year: 1831

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Euphrasia

Vegetable: False

Observations: Europe

Description

Northern eyebright, known scientifically as Euphrasia micrantha, is a fascinating and delicate plant belonging to the family Orobanchaceae. Discovered in Europe, this enchanting species was first documented in the early 19th century by the respected botanist Rchb., notably in the bibliographic work “Flora Germanica Excursoria,” published in 1831.

Euphrasia micrantha is characterized by its small, bright flowers, which capture the attention of botanical enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. These flowers are typically white, often adorned with subtle purple veins and a yellowish throat, adding a delightful touch of color to the European meadows where it thrives.

As a hemi-parasitic plant, Northern eyebright has developed a rather unique lifestyle. It partially relies on the roots of neighboring plants for nutrients, showcasing an intricate ecological relationship. Despite its parasitic tendencies, it plays an integral role in its natural habitat, contributing to the biodiversity and balance of the ecosystem.

Northern eyebright’s name hints at its historical use in herbal medicine, particularly in eye-related treatments. Traditional healers believed that the plant possessed properties effective against various eye ailments, though modern scientific validation of these claims remains limited.

In summary, Euphrasia micrantha, or Northern eyebright, is a captivating member of the Orobanchaceae family. With its striking appearance and intriguing ecological interactions, it continues to pique the interest of botanists and naturalists throughout Europe, where it is most commonly found.

Common Names

Deu: kleinblütiger augentrost, schlanker augentrost, zierlicher augentrost
Dan: lyng-øjentrøst
Eng: northern eyebright, common slender eyebright, slender eyebright
Swe: ljungögontröst, nummisilmäruoho
Nno: lyngaugnetrøst, lyngaugnetrøyst
Nob: lyngøyentrøst
Fin: nummisilmäruoho
Lav: sikziedu zibulitis
Nld: slanke ogentroost
Sme: daŋasčalmmon
Fra: euphraise à petites fleurs, euphraise grêle
Cym: effros mân-flodeuog, gloywlys eiddil cyffredin
En: Northern eyebright, Common Slender Eyebright, Slender eyebright
Da: Lyng-øjentrøst
Nl: Slanke ogentroost
Fi: Nummisilmäruoho
Fr: Euphraise à petites fleurs, Euphraise grêle
De: Kleinblütiger Augentrost, Schlanker Augentrost, Zierlicher Augentrost
It: Eufrasia a fiori piccoli
Lv: Sikziedu zibulitis
Se: Daŋasčalmmon
Nb: Lyngøyentrøst
Nn: Lyngaugnetrøst, Lyngaugnetrøyst
Sv: Ljungögontröst, Nummisilmäruoho
Cy: Effros Mân-Flodeuog, Gloywlys Eiddil Cyffredin

Synonyms

• Euphrasia gracilis ((Fr.) Fr.)
• Euphrasia officinalis var. curta (Fr.)
• Euphrasia nemorosa subvar. glabrescens ((Wettst.) Hartl)
• Euphrasia praecurta (Chitr.)
• Euphrasia stricta var. curta ((Fr.) Jalas)
• Euphrasia officinalis var. cucullata (Wahlenb.)
• Euphrasia officinalis var. gracilis (Fr.)
• Euphrasia nemorosa subsp. curta ((Fr.) Asch. & Graebn.)
• Euphrasia glabrescens ((Wettst.) Wiinst.)
• Euphrasia parviflora var. glabrescens ((Wettst.) Tzvelev)
• Euphrasia parviflora (Schag.)
• Euphrasia curta ((Fr.) Wettst.)
• Euphrasia parviflora subsp. glabrescens ((Wettst.) O.Schwarz)
• Euphrasia nemorosa var. curta ((Fr.) Hartl)
• Euphrasia officinalis subsp. gracilis ((Fr.) Bonnier)
• Euphrasia curta var. glabrescens (Wettst.)
• Euphrasia curta subsp. glabrescens ((Wettst.) Smejkal)

Distribution

• Austria (native)
• Baltic States (native)
• Belgium (native)
• Central European Rus (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• Denmark (native)
• East European Russia (native)
• Finland (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Great Britain (native)
• Ireland (native)
• Italy (native)
• Netherlands (native)
• Norway (native)
• Poland (native)
• Romania (native)
• Spain (native)
• Sweden (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• Masachusettes (introduced)
• Nova Scotia (introduced)
• Ontario (introduced)

Additional Images

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Flower

Taken Aug 19, 2005 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 19, 2005 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 19, 2005 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 19, 2005 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 19, 2005 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Aug 15, 2005 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc)

Habit

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc)

Other

Taken Aug 15, 2005 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Aug 15, 2005 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3171979)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Euphrasia micrantha Rchb.)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:802686-1)

Specifications

Growth habit: Forb/herb

Growth

Ph maximum: 4.5

Ph minimum: 4.0

Light: 7

Atmospheric humidity: 6

Bloom months: [‘jun’, ‘jul’, ‘aug’, ‘sep’, ‘oct’]

Soil nutriments: 1