Dalmatian Toadflas (Linaria dalmatica)

Status:

Listed Noxious Weed In Montana & North Dakota

History:

First Montana Specimen Collected 1

County:

Gallatin

Year:

1952

“Dalmation Toadflax is native to the Mediterranean region of Europe. The plant was introduced to the western U.S. as an ornamental about 1874. The leafy plants of some toadflax species look much like the unrelated flax plants, and the flowers somewhat resemble toads, hence the name "toadflax".

"The toadflaxes first appeared in Montana in the 1940's, and they have
become widespread since then." (Elpel, 14)

Habitat:

Growth Habit:

Perennial, often over 3 ft. tall, erect.

Leaves:

Light green, alternate, broad, heart shaped, clasping the stem.

Stem:

Hairy, Branching, light green, smooth and leafy., single main stem from a rootstock, branched near or above the base.

Flower:

Snapdragon type, bright yellow, tinged with orange, to 1/2" long spur, born in upper leaf axils.

Roots:

Vigorous, deep and extensive, creeping roots.

Seeds:

Numerous, irregularly angled.

Other Notes:

“Like many other noxious weeds, toadflax thrives in dry, exposed soils on rangeland or
along roads. Toadflax seedlings are poor competitors for soil moisture,
but once established the plants develop a vigorous spreading root system.
New plants develop from the root buds or from seeds. A single plant can
produce a half million seeds. The plants live for about five years and the
seeds remain viable in the soil for up to ten years”. (Elpel)