Dalmatian Toadflax (Linaria dalmatica)

Dalmatian Toadflax, Linaria dalmatica, invasive plant

General: Tall showing plant with snapdragon shaped flowers and waxy leaves.

Height: Grows between 0.6-1.2m tall. 

Flowers: Flowers are bright yellow and look like snapdragons. They grow at the top of the stem attached by short stems. There are 1-25 flowers around the stem at the top.

Leaves/Stems: Leaves are waxy, pale green and arranged alternately on the stem. They clasp the stem in most cases.   

Root: Taproot, creeping horizontal roots with buds. Taproot can reach 1m in depth.

Broad-leaved toadflax, Wild Snapdragon

Yellow/Common Toadflax (Linaria vulgaris)

Differences: Yellow/common toadflax generally has longer leaves that are thinner and lance-shaped. They resemble a bottle brush.

Where did it come from? Europe. Introduced as a garden ornamental.

Where does it grow here? It is adapted to a wide variety of conditions. It can be found on disturbed roadsides, fields, gardens, cultivated land, grasslands and grassland-forest transition areas. It is a very common invasive found throughout our region.

Reproduction: By seeds, root and root buds. A single plant can produce up to 500,000 seeds each year. Seeds can remain viable in the soil for up to 10 years

When does it grow, flower & seed? Sprouts April-May. Flowers June-August. Seeds September-August.

Spreads By: Wind and animals. Wildlife and birds eat the seed and seed hears. This includes deer & elk.

Plant Type: Perennial

  • Invades agricultural lands where low-tillage practices are carried out. 
  • Contains substances that make it toxic to livestock. It is unpalatable to livestock so poisoning is rare.
  • Displaces native vegetation because its creeping root system form dense infestations. 
  • Reduces forage value for wildlife & livestock.
  • Review your property regularly for this species. Do not plant in your garden.
  • Treatment ADD Remove small patches before it flowers & sets seed. Handpulling small infestations of young plants can be effective. Five biocontrol agents (beetles, weevils & moths) occur in BC. Weevils have been released in our region and have been successful at reducing the density of populations.
  • Cover bare patches or disturbed soil by planting or seeding with non-invasives.
  • Check areas where you have removed invasives for any new plants that year and in future growing seasons. Review of an area will be long-term because of the length of time seeds can stay viable in the soil (up to 10 years).
  • Dispose of invasive plants responsibly. Bag them for disposal at the local landfill.  Composting and burning are not recommended.
  • Contact LRISS for specific treatment recommendations.

Southern Interior Weed Management Committee. 2016. Invasive Plants of the Southern Interior BC. 86pgs.

Okanagan Invasive Species Online website.

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