Flowers of the Alps

Alpine Eyebright

Augentrost - Euphrasia rostkoviana

This specimen was photographed near the Padasterjochhaus (2232m) in the Stubai Alps. by Allan Hartley.

There appears to be an ongoing debate amongst botanists on the systematic naming of this beautiful little herb that most of us will have walked on as we’ve crossed meadows and paths. Some authors classify this, together with a number of similar species, as Euphrasia officinalis.

Commonly known as Alpine Eyebright, or Augentrost, the plant is 50 to 250 mm high. The flower is 8 – 12 mm in size and has white petals with mauvish veins, and a prominent yellow spot on the front lob.

It is hemi-parasitic on grasses, from which is draws part of its nutrients as well as minerals.

The name Eyebright gives the game away as it was and still is used as a medicinal herb for various eye ailments.

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