This week’s challenge is to spot this pretty plant in the churchyard. Not easy as the flowers are tiny (my fingers for scale in photo ) and there aren’t many. Look in the main wildflower patch and the one towards the back gate. Hopefully it will spread as, like yellow rattle, it is semi-parasitic stealing nutrition and weakening surrounding grass.
The scientific name Euphrasia comes from Euphrosyne, daughter of Zeus and Hera and the one of the three graces known for bringing joy. Apt for a plant with such a stunning flower. The linnet had the same name in Ancient Greek. According to legend this small bird used this plant to clear the eyes of its fledglings and passed this healing knowledge to humans.
The common name, across many languages reflects this association with eyesight. Eyebright in English, casse-lunettes, ojo brillante, Augentröst in German (consolation of the eyes). The 17th herbalist, Culpeper boldly claimed “if the herb was but as much used as it is neglected, it would half spoil the spectacle maker's trade”. Specsavers watch out! The European Medicines Agency looked at the current evidence for healing effects of Eyebright in 2010 and gave a nice summary of the historical aspects of it’s herbal medicine use.
It is way beyond my expertise to say which Eyebright this is. There are numerous subspecies/ hybrids.