Euphrasia collina ssp. muelleri

Purple Eyebright

Upright perennial herb or sub-shrub, sometimes hairs on lower branches, leaves and calyx. Branching at ground level. Semi-parasitic, swellings on rootlets often connecting to other plants.

Additional information

FamilyOrobanchaceae (syn. Scropulariaceae)
StoreyLower storey
Size9-41 cm high
Plant groupingHerbs & Groundcovers <1m
LeavesLeaves paired, upper leaves 6-14 mm long, usually 1-4 pairs of teeth at the end.
Flower colourWhite, purple, blue or pink
Flowering timeOctober to December
FlowersTerminal spike-like flowerhead of 2-lipped flowers, tips of upper lobes curved back. Lower lobes, bracts and 4-lobed calyx minutely hairy on the back, floral lobes usually notched on tips.
Bird attractingNo
Butterfly attractingNo
Frog habitatNo
Growing conditionsMoist heathy woodland. Presumed extinct within the Shire.
Garden useA delightful little plant which is difficult to propagate and cultivate.
Commercially availableNever
Conservation statusPresumed extinct within the Shire. Very rare now throughout its range in Victoria. Possibly occurred in 19 Long-leaf Box Herb-rich Foothill Forest (EVC 23),.
Related speciesEuphrasia collina ssp. trichocalycina - differs from the above in that hairs on the bracts and back of the calyx are glandular, branching on flowering branches continues up the stem. Plant is taller, to 62 cm high. Leaves 5-16 mm long have 0-2 pairs of teeth.