Eyebright
My mystery wildflower is now identified thanks to a mystery visitor who leaves no link. miss m, where ever you are thanks for the lead.
| Her comment was short and sweet. Euphrasia stricta ! methinks 
Of course I went right to my field guides. DOH! Euphrasia americana was right in front of me all this time. Guess I need new glasses. You can see how tiny the flowers are in the small image. |
 (about lifesize) |
 |
Too many names:
Euphrasia americana There are several similar/same species and since I’m a happy go lucky kind of guy I’ll pass on the stricta and officinalis and go americana on this one. |
I think Euphrasia stricta refers to a similar/same plant in Europe. It’s all so confusing with different sites using so many different names.
Euphrasia americana
A macro image shows why you might want to get a closer look on what you’re stepping on without noticing. But don’t bother looking unless you live fairly far north.
Euphrasia canadensis and Euphrasia borealis are probably better suited names. If you can’t see the Northern Lights you probably are too far south to be in the plant’s range.
The common name, Eyebright comes from the plant’s use as a medicinal plant to treat eye ailments. Google Eyebright and many sites will come up hawking their solutions.
It was interesting to find out this is a semi-parasitic plant that attaches to the roots of other plants.
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And now for a completely different THANK YOU for everyone over at Blotanical that voted for me during the Awards process.
My Goodness what where you thinking?
Did you really think I was the best NY State blog or did you stare at the Hypno-frog too long?
Anyway
Thank You for Staring.
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October 2nd, 2009 at 11:27 am
Very nice. I didn’t realize eyebright was an actual plant. My mom has used it for her eye health for years and swears by it. Great post – great photos.
October 2nd, 2009 at 12:07 pm
Don’t have it. You opened my eyes on this eyebright. I love the color!
October 2nd, 2009 at 1:43 pm
Such lovely shots of this tiny flower. I’ve decided to follow you on my google reader…I can see that I’ve been missing a great blog! Congrat’s on your Blotanical award!
October 2nd, 2009 at 2:14 pm
Hypno-frog. Eye-bright. Do I detect a theme? Must. Vote. WiseAcre. 2.0.1.0….
October 2nd, 2009 at 3:32 pm
One of the best things about blogging is that you can post a photo and learn a name in an hour or two. The other one is gaining good friends.~~Dee
October 2nd, 2009 at 3:47 pm
Hi Wiseacre, a big congrat on collecting votes via the hyno frog! Or maybe it was those fantastic photos and sugary phrases? We love your blog! And you can see the northern lights? Lucky duck. Daffy?
Frances
October 2nd, 2009 at 3:49 pm
So this is eyebright. I’ve used the herb on my eyes when I have allergies. They certainly have beautiful flowers. Thanks for this post.
October 2nd, 2009 at 9:19 pm
That is a beautiful little flower. Glad you got an ID!
October 2nd, 2009 at 11:40 pm
Don’t try to blame that poor Hypno-frog. You know the truth.
October 3rd, 2009 at 1:07 am
Quote: “Guess I need new glasses.”
How ’bout a drop of eyebright ?
Just thought I’d mention I spotted two varieties(?) yesterday, a few feet apart. One like yours and another one, slightly pinker, without the yellow spot/throat.
PS. Since when is leaving a link mandatory ? You know where to find me anyway.
Case closed.
October 3rd, 2009 at 6:30 am
Thanks for the congrats and the same to you – you got my vote. So why aren’t I on your blogroll ????
Baci as we say in Italy (google translator it)
October 3rd, 2009 at 7:42 am
Luckily I did not give you the answer,as I do not want any link love.
October 3rd, 2009 at 12:23 pm
Nor do I, rainfield61 !
October 3rd, 2009 at 12:52 pm
Congratulations on your blotanical award, well deserved! I always enjoy your beautiful photos!!
October 3rd, 2009 at 5:14 pm
Dear Mr. WiseA** …. SO ! that is what made me vote for you after all ? I knew there had to be a catch … and you already knew I had a thing for frogs .. how fair is that ?
Glasses need upgrading for sure … only your real friends will tell you ? LOL
October 3rd, 2009 at 5:17 pm
Congratulations on your Blotanical award! I have to say I’m not surprised! Keep up the good work!
By the way, do you think you could make updates available via e-mail? Could you do that just for me? Pretty please? Pretty please with brown sugar on it?
October 6th, 2009 at 6:19 am
What a sweet, delicate little flower. I love the color and shape.
FlowerLady
November 17th, 2009 at 4:18 pm
I just came across a reference to eyebright in the novel MAKING IT UP by Penelope Lively. She is describing the English countryside “in which pretty blue harebells grow, cowslips and eyebright.” I’m a pretty fair gardener but had never encountered eyebright. Thanks for the great pictures!