Euphrasia sevanensis
Euphrasia sevanensis
Sevan Eyebright
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Taxonomy
Family Orobanchaceae · Genus Euphrasia
Description
Euphrasia sevanensis is a tiny, charming eyebright from the Lake Sevan region of Armenia. A hemiparasitic wildflower, it forms low, leafy tufts topped with delicate white to lilac blooms in summer. It’s tricky in cultivation because it prefers poor soils and grows best alongside fine grasses that it can tap for nutrients, but its alpine-meadow look is rewarding for enthusiasts.
Common Names
Sevan EyebrightLake Sevan Eyebright
Context
nativeRegion
Armenian Highlands, especially around Lake Sevan (subalpine and montane meadows).
usdaZones
4–7 (typically grown as an annual from seed).
companionPlants
Festuca ovina (sheep fescue), Agrostis capillaris (bentgrass), Poa pratensis (Kentucky bluegrass), Trifolium repens (white clover), Achillea millefolium (yarrow), Thymus serpyllum (wild thyme)
culturalUses
Primarily of conservation and botanical interest; related Euphrasia species have historical use as “eyebright” in folk herbalism (species-specific use not established).
Care
Care Requirements
LightFull sun to light shade; brightest light yields best flowering.
WateringKeep evenly moist but never waterlogged; allow the top layer to dry slightly between light waterings.
SoilWell-drained, low-fertility sandy or gritty loam; neutral to slightly acidic. Grow with a compatible host grass in the same pot/bed.
FertilizerAvoid fertilizing; rich soils or feeding can suppress hemiparasitic behavior and reduce flowering.
HumidityAverage outdoor humidity with good air movement; avoid overly humid, stagnant conditions.
TemperaturePrefers cool conditions (50–70°F / 10–21°C). Hardy outdoors in cool-summer climates; heat can shorten the season.
Growth & Life Cycle
HabitSmall hemiparasitic herb forming low tufts among grasses.
Mature Size5–15 cm tall, 5–15 cm wide.
Growth RateFast once established (seasonal/annual cycle).
BloomingSummer (typically July–September); small white to lilac flowers with yellow markings.
DormancyAnnual/short-lived; dies back after setting seed. Persists via seed bank.
Propagation
MethodsSeed (sow with host grasses), Cold stratification (6–8 weeks), Direct outdoor fall sowing
DifficultyChallenging due to hemiparasitic host requirement and sensitivity to rich soils.
Best SeasonFall for outdoor sowing; late winter to early spring after cold stratification if starting under cover.
Maintenance & Notes
PruningMinimal. Optionally deadhead to limit self-seeding or leave seedheads to naturalize.
RepottingNot typically repotted. If container-grown, establish anew each year with host grasses; avoid root disturbance.
Pests & DiseasesSeedling damping-off, powdery mildew in humid conditions, and slug/snail grazing. Good drainage and airflow help prevent issues.
ToxicityGenerally considered non-toxic; not intended for ingestion by people or pets.
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