Scientific name: Linaria dalmatica
What Is It?
Dalmatian toadflax grows to be 3-4 feet tall and has yellow flowers. It is found along roadsides, pastures, rangeland, and other disturbed areas. It can out-compete native or desirable species, and is strongly competitive, especially with shallow-rooted perennials and winter annuals. Dalmatian toadflax is native to southeastern Europe and was introduced here as a garden ornamental.
Is It Here Yet?
Yes, dalmatian toadflax has been documented through much of Washington.
Why Should I Care?
Dalmatian toadflax out-competes native plants and alters the structure and composition of plant communities including grasslands and forests. By displacing native plants, it reduces food for native animals with hooves, insects, and birds. Also, by displacing plants that stabilize and build soils, it can increase runoff and soil erosion. Dalmatian toadflax may be poisonous to livestock.
How Can We Stop It?
- Learn to identify Dalmatian toadflax when it is very young to prevent establishment.
- Plant and maintain desirable native grasses to compete successfully with invading toadflax plants.
- Clean equipment and vehicles before moving them out of an infested area.
Dalmatian toadflax is on Washington’s Terrestrial Noxious Weed Seed and Plant Quarantine list, meaning it is prohibited to transport, buy, sell, offer for sale, or distribute plants, plant parts, or seeds. It also is listed as a Class B Noxious Weed in Washington, meaning it is designated for control in certain state regions.
What Are its Characteristics?
- Grows to be 3-4 feet tall.
- Leaves are 1-2 inches long.
- Flowers are yellow with orange markings.
- Produces a mat-like rosette in early autumn; regenerates in early spring from vegetative buds on the root stock.
How Do I Distinguish It From Native Species?
Dalmatian toadflax may be distinguished from the closely related invasive yellow toadflax by its leaves, which are broader than those of yellow toadflax and clasp the plant’s stem.
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