Contents
Description
Euphrasia Collina, commonly known as the upland eyebright, is a small annual herb that belongs to the Orobanchaceae family. It is native to Europe and Asia and has been naturalized in North America. The plant is widely used in traditional medicine for the treatment of eye infections and respiratory ailments.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Orobanchaceae |
| Genus | Euphrasia |
Appearance
Euphrasia Collina grows up to 20 cm in height and has small, opposite, lance-shaped leaves. The flowers are white or purple and grow in clusters at the top of the stem. The plant blooms from June to August and produces small, round, black seeds.
Care Guide
Euphrasia Collina is a relatively easy plant to care for. Here are some tips to help you keep your plant healthy:
- Water: Water your plant regularly, but do not overwater it. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
- Fertilization: Fertilize your plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
- Soil: Plant your Euphrasia Collina in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Sunlight: Euphrasia Collina prefers full sun to partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: Euphrasia Collina can grow in hardiness zones 5-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Euphrasia Collina is relatively resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be affected by powdery mildew and root rot if overwatered. Spider mites and aphids may also infest the plant. To prevent these problems, avoid overwatering and keep the plant clean and free from debris. If the plant is infested, treat it with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Habitat
Euphrasia Collina is native to Europe and Asia and can be found in meadows, rocky slopes, and open woods. In North America, it has been naturalized in grasslands and disturbed areas. The plant prefers well-draining soils and full sun to partial shade.
Question and Answer
- Q: Can Euphrasia Collina be grown indoors?
- A: Yes, Euphrasia Collina can be grown indoors as long as it is provided with adequate sunlight and well-draining soil.
- Q: Is Euphrasia Collina toxic to pets?
- A: There is no evidence that Euphrasia Collina is toxic to pets. However, as with any plant, it is best to keep it out of reach of pets to prevent ingestion.
- Q: Can Euphrasia Collina be used in cooking?
- A: There is no evidence that Euphrasia Collina is used in cooking.
- Q: Can Euphrasia Collina be propagated from cuttings?
- A: Euphrasia Collina is an annual plant and does not survive more than one season. Therefore, it is best propagated from seed.
Related Plants
- Euphrasia nemorosa
- Euphrasia officinalis
- Euphrasia regelii
- Euphrasia rostkoviana
References
- Bailey, L. H. (1913). Manual of gardening (2nd ed.). New York: The Macmillan Company.
- Flora of North America Editorial Committee. (2010). Flora of North America North of Mexico, Volume 17: Magnoliophyta: Tetrachondraceae to Ericaceae. New York: Oxford University Press.
- Missouri Botanical Garden. (n.d.). Euphrasia Collina. Retrieved from http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c271
