Ballast toadflax (Linaria spartea, P.Miller, Suppl. Dict. Jard. 2: 38 (1790))

Family: Plantaginaceae

Author: (L.) Chaz.

Bibliography: P.Miller, Suppl. Dict. Jard. 2: 38 (1790)

Year: 1790

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Linaria

Vegetable: False

Observations: W. France to Iberian Pen.

Description

Ballast toadflax, scientifically known as Linaria spartea, is a noteworthy constituent of the Plantaginaceae family. This enduring perennial plant holds a significant place within its native range, which stretches from Western France to the Iberian Peninsula. First thoroughly documented by P. Miller in 1790, its botanical characteristics were later refined by the botanical author Chaz.

Linaria spartea distinguishes itself by its fine, slender stalks and delicate, lance-shaped leaves. The plant’s striking yellow flowers, which bloom in dense, spike-like clusters, are a visual delight and contrast vividly against its green foliage. These blossoms are not just visually appealing but also play a crucial role in the local ecosystem by attracting pollinators.

In its natural habitat, ballast toadflax thrives in a variety of soil conditions, often found in dry, rocky areas and on grassy slopes. Its adaptability to different environments highlights its resilience. The species name “spartea” suggests a semblance to broom-like plants, alluding to its similarly wiry and spindly appearance.

Ballast toadflax is more than just an eye-catching plant; it also holds ecological value by contributing to the biodiversity of the regions it inhabits. Its ability to endure challenging growing conditions makes it a subject of interest for botanists and ecologists alike, who study its growth patterns, reproductive biology, and interactions with other species.

Thus, Linaria spartea remains a fascinating plant species, embodying the intricate beauty and complexity of the Plantaginaceae family. Its enduring presence from Western France to the Iberian Peninsula underscores its ecological importance and the role it plays in its native landscapes.

Common Names

Spa: baleo montesino
Eng: ballast toadflax
Deu: ruten-leinkraut
En: Ballast toadflax
Fi: Nauhakannusruoho
De: Ruten-Leinkraut
Pt: Ansarina-dos-campos, Avelino
Es: Baleo montesino

Synonyms

• Linaria triquetra (Fisch., C.A.Mey. & Avé-Lall.)
• Linaria virgatula (Spreng.)
• Linaria spartea var. brevipes (Rouy)
• Linaria spartea var. expansa ((Samp.) Samp.)
• Linaria spartea var. flaviflora (Lange)
• Linaria spartea f. expansa ((Samp.) Viano)
• Linaria spartea f. virgatula ((Brot.) Viano)
• Linaria spartea f. meonantha ((Hoffmanns. & Link) Viano)
• Linaria meonantha (Hoffmanns. & Link)
• Linaria spartea f. glandulosa (H.Lindb.)
• Kickxia spartea ((L.) K.Larsen)
• Antirrhinum praecox ((Hoffmanns. & Link) Brot.)
• Linaria spartea subsp. virgatula ((Brot.) Franco)
• Linaria juncea var. praecox (Hoffmanns. & Link ex Samp.)
• Linaria juncea var. expansa (Samp.)
• Antirrhinum virgatulum (Brot.)
• Linaria juncea var. spartea ((L.) Samp.)
• Linaria spartea var. virgatula (Rouy)
• Linaria spartea var. meonantha (Hoffmanns. & Link ex Nyman)
• Antirrhinum spartum (L.)
• Linaria spartea var. praecox (Hoffmanns. & Link ex Ficalho)
• Saccularia veatchii (Kellogg)
• Linaria spartea var. ramosissima (Benth.)

Distribution

• France (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Spain (native)
• Connecticut (introduced)
• Germany (introduced)
• Poland (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jun 11, 2022 by Diego Alex (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 11, 2022 by Diego Alex (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 14, 2021 by Copito Cris (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 14, 2021 by Copito Cris (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 9, 2022 by Victor Romero Fernandez (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken May 8, 2021 by Victoria Cabaleiro (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 30, 2022 by Paulii (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jan 17, 2022 by Daniel schefer (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/7420311)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:804964-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Linaria spartea (L.) Willd.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth

Bloom months: [‘may’, ‘jun’, ‘jul’, ‘aug’]