This plant came by its English name as it was used and still is by herbalists to lessen redness caused by conjunctivitis.
It is an annual, semi-parasitic plant obtaining nutrients from the roots of perennial grasses found in undisturbed meadows. This makes it a very useful plant as it will weaken vigorous grasses allowing other wildflowers to flourish. It is low growing attaining a maximum height of 25cm and some thirty species are recognised. The leaves are attractive being oval, sharply toothed and with a bronze hue.
The tiny flowers are exquisite. They are only 5-10mm long with two folded upper lips whilst the lower lip has three lobes. The petals have purple veins running through them and the middle lower lobe displays a yellow throat. It flowers from May until September producing seed capsules.
Eyebright is now classified as a Priority Species in the U.K. Biodiversity Action Plan. Unfortunately it is declining due to habitat loss.