Common toadflax - Linaria vulgaris

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Common toadflax - Linaria vulgaris
© Dr Chris Gibson/English Nature

Common toadflax is a spreading plant that forms patches of bright yellow spires throughout the summer in rough grassland, road verges, hedgebanks and disturbed ground. It has narrow grey-green leaves arranged in whorls alternating up the stem. The stems terminate in dense clusters of yellow spurred flowers similar in appearance to snapdragons. Common toadflax grows well on loose, well-drained soil in sun or partial shade. It can be grown in a lawn, meadow or flower border. Care should be taken when planting into a cultivated border as it can become quite invasive.

Just as common bird's foot trefoil is sometimes known as 'bacon and eggs', another name for this species is 'butter and eggs'.

Animals

Buff-tailed bumble bee, Common carder bumble bee, Flies, Honey bee, Red-tailed bumble bee, White-tailed bumble bee

Foliage	Grey
Flower	Yellow, June to October
Moisture	(Dry)
Sunlight	(Full sun)
Origin	Native