FLORA OF ICELAND elements: Euphrasia frigida, Cold Eyebright, Augnfró

Euphrasia frigida; The cold eyebright can be found on infertile grasslands, stream banks and open soils. Euphrasia species are difficult to identify. On Iceland two species are recognized: Euphrasia frigida (cold eyebright) and Euphrasis stricta (drug eyebright). The differences are discussed on the page of the latter species. The cold eyebright is by far the more common of the two species. In the past, it was also known as Euphrasia arctica but it seems that the name E. frigida is now the official name. In the America's this species is known as coldweather eyebright. They can grow to about 15 cm. but usually much less, often no more than a few centimeters. Members of the Euphrasia's are known to parasite on the roots of other plants, especially grasses.
It is a member of the broomrape family (Orobranchaceae) but in the past it was considered to be a member of the figwort family (Scrophulariaceae). The Icelandic name of this species is Augnfró.