Eyebrights
What are they?
Eyebrights are members of the Orobanchaceae, the Broomrape family. In the past, they were thought to be in the figwort family (Scrophulariaceae), but recent genetic studies have shown them to be better placed with the broomrapes. These plants are partially parasitic (often called hemiparasites) on other plants; they have green leaves that produce chlorophyll and thus provide sustenance for the plant, but they also tap into neighbouring plants via their roots to obtain nutrients. Eyebrights are some of our most attractive wild flowers, but they are small and can easily go unnoticed.
Where are they found?
These are plants of a variety of open, grassy, usually sunny places. Some species occur on dry, chalk grassland sites while others are more typically found in damp grasslands and wetland margins.
Identification
Although wonderful to look at, eyebrights are a nightmare to identify to species! There is much variation in the plants, as well as the possibility of hybridisation, but the situation is made a little easier in East Anglia where we have fewer species than is the case further north and west in the UK. Identification is made based on the presence or absence of glandular hairs on the upper leaves, details of the flower bracts (especially the toothed margins), the growth style of the stems and the size of the seed capsule. Flowers of all our species may be white or tinged with lilac.
Common Eyebright Euphrasia nemorosa
Uncommon but the most widespread species on chalky soils across East Anglia and the species most likely to be found away from Breckland. Flowers June to September. Typically a much-branched plant to 30cm in height (though often shorter) with rather straight stems bearing deep green, glossy leaves that are relatively large compared with the flowers. Leaves and bracts sharply toothed, with bracts having the lowest teeth projecting outward not forward.
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Confused Eyebright Euphrasia confusa
In our region, almost entirely confined to Breckland, where it can be quite common on heathy ground and forest rides. Flowers June to September. Typically a much-branched plant to 20cm in height (though often shorter) with slightly sinuous stems bearing leaves that are relatively small compared with the flowers. Leaves and bracts sharply toothed, with bracts having the lowest teeth projecting forward not outward. Seed capsule only just shorter than the surrounding calyx.
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Chalk Eyebright Euphrasia pseudokerneri
A rare plant of good quality, species-rich plant communities in thin soils on chalk. Only likely to be found in the Newmarket area or westward on chalky soils. Flowers June to September. Typically a well-branched plant to 15cm in height (though often shorter) with slightly sinuous stems bearing leaves that are relatively small compared with the flowers. Leaves and (especially) upper bracts with elongated (aristate) tips to the teeth, giving the plant a very 'spikey' look. Seed capsule much shorter than the surrounding calyx.
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