Common Toadflax
Linaria vulgaris
Plantain family (Plantaginaceae)

This plant was introduced from Europe as an ornamental, and it is known as Butter-and-Eggs for its yellow flowers with an orange patch. Dalmatian Toadflax (L. dalmatica) is similar plant with broader egg-shaped leaves with bases that clasp the stem. Toadflaxes have a long history of herbal use for liver and other disorders. "Linaria" is for the resemblance of the leaves to those of Linum (flax). "Vulgaris" means "common."

Description

Introduced perennial herb, 8-32" tall, with distinctive snapdragon-like pale to bright yellow flowers arranged in dense cluster atop stem. Lower lip has fuzzy orange patch and flower extends backward in a slender straight spur. Leaves are alternate, linear, and gray-green in color. Plant has an unpleasant smell.

Field Marks

Yellow snap-dragon-like flowers with orange throats and long spur; often in large colonies.

© Al Schneider