Yellow Toadflax

Linaria vulgaris needs to be included in this collection if only to note this as an invasive species that should not be allowed to spread. An attractive flower with a cute name, (it is also known as butter and eggs) it can grow 1 to 2 feet and be very persistent, starting in June and going into October. Flowers are not diminutive, but rather 3/4″ to 1″ long in 2-toned yellows, and quite pretty. I took this photo in mid September, so it certainly keeps on coming, appearing in my brush pile among the goldenrods and milkweeds. Leaves are very slender, only 1/16″ to 1/8″ wide, and up to 2″ long.

Interesting to note, genetic testing reclassified this species from the Figwort family into the Plantain family. I don’t know if this helps much, but good to know I guess, about a species that has naturalized itself in a pernicious way into the regional landscape.