Common Name(s): Toadflax, Toad-flax, Texas Toadflax

Scientific Name: Nutallanthus texanus; Prev. Linaria texana

Family:  Scrophulariaceae

Bloom Period: Spring, February – May

Habitat: Dry, sandy soils, Roadsides, uncultivated fields, disturbed areas, open areas of woodlands, prairies, pastures

Description: Terminal raceme. Callyx -5 united at base; Corolla 5: united -2-lipped; Stamens – 4; Pistil- 1:2. Slender spur; Fruit: oval capsule, full gray seeds.

General Info: This is a beautiful lavender colored flower. It is easily overlooked, since it only grows 1-3 feet tall, requires relative shelter,  and blooms for only a very short time. However, this gem is well worth hunting for. Its nectar attracts bees, moths and butterflies; the buckeye butterfly (Junonia coenia) larvae feast on this particular species.

Commentary: Check out this fascinating flower structure. Part of the Figwort (Snapdragon) family, the corolla is united to form a 2-lips, spurred at the base. (The spur looks like a little tail on the backside). The nectary for pollinators lies at the base of the ovary, collecting in the backward facing spur. The pollinator must pry the lips apart, and use a long tongue to reach the nectar.

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