Eyebright
Euphrasia officinalisfam. Orobancheaceae
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Pl. 4C58 — Euphrasia officinalis
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IOverview
Overview
Eyebright, scientifically known as Euphrasia officinalis, is an annual plant native to Spain. It thrives in moist conditions and can tolerate a variety of soil types, from light sandy soils to heavier clay ones. Eyebright prefers full sun or partial shade and grows to about 0.2 meters tall. Known for its edible leaves and documented medicinal uses, this plant has been valued for centuries. Its distinctive feature is the small, delicate flowers that often appear in clusters, adding a touch of beauty to any garden setting.
Quick answers
What is Eyebright?
Eyebright, scientifically known as Euphrasia officinalis, is an annual plant native to Spain. It thrives in moist conditions and can tolerate a variety of soil types, from light sandy soils to heavier clay ones. Eyebright prefers full sun or partial shade and grows to about 0.
IV·bMixology suggestions
1 draft
Mixology suggestions
1 draftEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Eye Relief
eye caretincture
Traditional use for eye fatigue and irritation.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Eyebright thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in temperate regions with zones 5-9 and grows as an annual reaching a height of about 0.2 meters. For optimal growth, keep the soil consistently moist. Harvest the edible leaves for use.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
5-9
Life cycle
Annual
Mature size
0.2 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Eyebright for the first time
8steps
Start with a simple Eyebright planting to gain experience in basic gardening.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or young plants, small pots or garden space, potting soil.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or in late summer for fall germination.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil. For containers, choose a mix suitable for herbs and flowers.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 1-2 mm deep in the garden or start them indoors and transplant when large enough to handle.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep soil moist. Provide partial shade if direct sunlight is intense.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly, especially during dry spells. Pinch back for bushier growth.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune after flowering to encourage more blooms and maintain plant shape.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy soil, not providing enough light, neglecting to pinch back for shape.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Leaves
Edible uses: The leaves of Eyebright (Euphrasia officinalis) are edible and can be consumed raw or cooked. They are often used in salads for their mild flavor. Additionally, the leaves can be steeped to make a tea.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 30 native
Europe22 regions
native (22)AlbaniaAustriaBelarusBelgiumBulgariaDenmarkFinlandFranceGermanyGreeceHungaryIrelandItalyNetherlandsPolandRomaniaRussiaSpainSwedenSwitzerlandUkraineUnited Kingdom
Asia1 region
native (1)Turkey
Broader regions
native:Transcaucasus, Baltic States, Czechoslovakia
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 4c58ced6-2990-4f27-8f1b-7b8e3ae92b15
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