Linaria
For a small villge in the prefecture of Ilia, see
Linaria
(Ilia), Greece
| Linaria |
Oldfield Toadflax |
| Scientific
classification |
|
|
| Species |
|
Linaria canadensis
Linaria dalmatica
Linaria genistifolia
Linaria purpurea
Linaria repens
Linaria vulgaris
|
Linaria is a genus of about 100 species of herbaceous annuals and perennials in the foxglove family Scrophulariaceae. The members
of this genus are known in English as toadflax. The scientific name means "resembling Linum" (flax), which the foliage of some species superficially resembles.
Species
Common Toadflax, Linaria vulgaris is a European species which is
widely introduced elsewhere. The yellow and orange flowers are seen in many waste places. The species is also known in some areas
as "butter-and-eggs".
Oldfield toadflax, Linaria canadensis is native to the United States. It is a purple to blue, weedy species, which blooms early in the spring. It is an important
nectar source for spring buildup of honeybees, because the plants are often so thick in fields, and they bloom so early.
Broomleaf toadflax, Linaria genistifolia is another native of Southeast Europe that has become a weed in parts
of North America.
Dalmatian toadflax, Linaria dalmatica, native to southeast Europe, has
similar flowers, but the wider leaves are clasping. It is listed as an invasive species in many US states. Some authorities treat L.
dalmatica as a subspecies of L. genistifolia.
Purple toadflax, Linaria purpurea is native to the Mediterranean region, and is a popular garden plant, with erect
stems to 1m tall, with numerous dark purple flowers.
Pale toadflax, Linaria repens from west Europe is similar to L. purpurea but has paler flowers.
Common Toadflax - flower detail
Because Linaria species are toxic to livestock, these plants are regarded as noxious weeds.
Closely related species include the snapdragons (Antirrhinum) and the
Ivy-leaved toadflax (Cymbalaria muralis).
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