Euphrasia collina
purple eyebright
Overview
Euphrasia collina is a small hemiparasitic herb in the family Orobanchaceae, growing 4-16 inches (10-40 cm) tall in upright, often branched tufts. Like other eyebrights it draws part of its water and nutrients from the roots of neighbouring plants while still producing its own green leaves. The small leaves are opposite, 0.2-0.6 inch (5-15 mm) long, toothed, and crowded along the stems. From spring into summer the plant carries two-lipped tubular flowers 0.4-0.6 inch (10-15 mm) long, ranging from mauve and purple to white, usually with a yellow throat and slender darker veins guiding insects to the nectar. Euphrasia collina grows in subalpine and montane grassland, heath, and open woodland in south-eastern Australia, often in damp, peaty ground. Its dependence on host plants makes it difficult to grow in ordinary garden soil away from suitable companions. It is short-lived, sometimes behaving as an annual, and several regional subspecies vary in flower colour and size. Plants set small seed that needs the right host nearby to establish.
Native Range
Euphrasia collina is native to south-eastern Australia, including the highlands of New South Wales, Victoria, the Australian Capital Territory, and Tasmania. It grows in subalpine and montane grassland, heath, bog margins, and open woodland.Suggested Uses
Grown mainly in alpine and rock garden collections, native grassland restoration, and specialist plantings where suitable host plants are present. It suits cool, moist, sunny sites among low grasses and herbs rather than conventional borders.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height4" - 1'4"
Width/Spread4" - 10"
Bloom Information
Flowering occurs from late spring into summer, around November to February in its native highlands. The mauve to purple or white tubular flowers have a yellow throat and are pollinated by bees and other insects. Small seed capsules follow and ripen through summer.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Mauve to purple or white with yellow throatFoliage Description
GreenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 5-9 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight