Euphrasia oakesii Wettst.
Habitat: Exposed turfy or gravelly slopes or crests, alpine areas. [Alpine or subalpine (non-forested, upland)]
Range: Labrador and Newfoundland, south to the higher peaks of Maine and New Hampshire.
Aids to Identification: This annual herb is characterized by a hairy, simple stem, growing to 3-10 cm. There are 2-5 pairs of small (2-7 mm), ovate leaves which increase in size toward the top of the plant. The flowering cluster is congested, with small purplish-white flowers.
Ecological characteristics: The only recent occurrence of this rare plant in Maine is from Katahdin. It is hemiparasitic and attaches to host plants by specialized root connections called haustoria.
Phenology: Flowers July - August.
Synonyms: Referred to in very some old treatments as Euphrasia williamsii B. L. Rob.
Known Distribution in Maine: This rare plant has been documented from a total of 1 town(s) in the following county(ies): Piscataquis.
Dates of documented observations are: 1900, 1978, 1988, 1994
Reason(s) for rarity: At southern limit of range; range is naturally restricted.
Conservation considerations: Populations could be threatened by heavy recreational (hiking) use.