Edge/ Blue Toadflax

COMMON NAME: Blue Toadflax

OTHER COMMON NAME(S): Old-field

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Linaria canadensis

FAMILY: Scrophulariaceae

COMMUNITY: Edge

STATUS: Native

LIFESPAN: Annual

HEIGHT: 4 to 20 inches

FLOWERING TIME: Late April to nearly May

FRUITING TIME: July to September

DISTRIBUTION: Massachusetts to Florida ~ Statewide in New Jersey

IDENTIFYING CHARACTERISTICS: Leaves linear, narrow, opposite ~ Short taproot ~ Flower terminal, five petal form a long sharp spur, lip 2 lobed, violet color ~ Stem hairy

GENERAL INFORMATION: This family (Scrophulariaceae) commonly called the Figwort or Snapdragon Family consists of 224 genera and 4,450 species of herbs and a few shrubs and trees.  Members of this family are cultivated as ornamentals including Snapdragons, Slipper-Flowers and Empress-Tree. The name “toadflax”, explained in 1597 by botanist Gerard, is derived from the small, slender stalks from which long narrow leaves grow like flax.  The flowers have a mouth like a frog--if you pinch the hinge of its jaw, the frog mouth opens. A tea prepared from the leaves of Blue Toadflax was used as a diuretic and laxative.  A poultice was applied to hemorrhoids or festering wounds.

Please note: While harvesting wild berries/fruit is permitted at Island Beach State Park, visitors must adhere to park regulations at all times and must not damage vegetation or go off designated trails.  This information is presented for educational purposes.