Linaria vulgaris

Common Names:

Common Toadflax, Butter-and-Eggs, Wild Snapdragon

Phonetic Spelling:

li-NAIR-ee-uh vul-GAIR-iss

Description:

Linaria vulgaris is a perennial herb that typically grows 30 to 90 centimeters (1 to 3 feet) tall. It has a slender, erect form with multiple branched stems. The leaves are narrow, lance-shaped, and arranged alternately or in whorls along the stem. They are bluish-green and can be up to 6 centimeters (2.4 inches) long. The plant produces dense spikes of bright yellow and orange, snapdragon-like flowers. Each flower is about 2.5 centimeters (1 inch) long, with a spur at the base. The blooming period is from late spring to early fall.

Distribution/Location:

Native to Europe and Asia. It has been introduced to North America and other regions, where it has become naturalized and, in some areas, invasive.

Environmental Concerns:

Linaria vulgaris is often regarded as an invasive species in many regions due to its aggressive growth and ability to spread rapidly. Management efforts focus on controlling its spread in non-native areas to prevent it from outcompeting native vegetation. Mechanical, chemical, and biological control methods are used to manage its invasiveness.

Additional Notes:

While Linaria vulgaris provides nectar for pollinators such as bees and butterflies, its tendency to dominate habitats can reduce biodiversity. It can form dense stands that displace native plants.