Dalmation Toadflax

Dalmation toadflax
Photo Credit: Daniel Laubhann

Common Name: Dalmatian Toadflax

Scientific Name: Linaria dalmatica

Habitat: roadsides, disturbed areas

Provincial Designation: Noxious

Noxious weeds are plant species that are designated as "noxious weeds" in the Alberta weed regulation. Noxious weeds must be controlled, meaning their growth or spread needs to be prevented.

Origin

Dalmatian toadflax originates from the Mediterranean and was introduced to North America around 1900, possibly as an ornamental garden plant.

Legislated Because

Dalmatian toadflax has the ability to out-compete native plants in pastures and rangeland.

Description

Flowers have united petals that form an upper and a lower lip. They are bright yellow and sometimes have an orange centre on the lower lip. The flower also has a conspicuously long spur extending outwards from the base.

The leaves are grey-green, egg-shaped, heart-shaped or elliptic, and are alternately arranged along the stem.

Stems are erect and grow up to 100 cm tall.