Broomleaf toadflax (Linaria genistifolia, Gard. Dict. ed. 8: n.º 14 (1768))

Family: Plantaginaceae

Author: (L.) Mill.

Bibliography: Gard. Dict. ed. 8: n.º 14 (1768)

Year: 1768

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Linaria

Vegetable: False

Observations: Europe to SW. Siberia and N. Xinjiang

Description

Broomleaf toadflax, known scientifically as Linaria genistifolia, is a member of the Plantaginaceae family. This intriguing plant was first documented in the 1768 edition of the Garden Dictionary under the entry number 14, with the botanical exposition provided by the renowned botanist Philip Miller.

Native to a vast region stretching from Europe to Southwestern Siberia and Northern Xinjiang, broomleaf toadflax thrives in various temperate climates. It has adapted to a diverse range of conditions, making it a resilient species in its natural habitat. This adaptability is a significant factor contributing to its widespread presence across different geographical zones.

The plant is characterized by its slender, broom-like leaves, which are evocative of its common name. These leaves provide a delicate, almost airy appearance to the plant, while the small, yet vibrant, yellow flowers enhance its visual appeal during the blooming season. Broomleaf toadflax flowers are not only ornamental but also attract a variety of pollinators, thereby playing a vital role in their ecosystems.

Cultivators and botany enthusiasts value Linaria genistifolia for its ease of growth and maintenance. It does not require extensive care, making it an attractive addition to gardens and natural landscapes. Furthermore, its ability to flourish without demanding specific soil or watering conditions renders it an ideal plant for diverse planting environments.

In summary, broomleaf toadflax (Linaria genistifolia) is a notable plant with a rich historical background and significant ecological benefits. Its wide range of native habitats and ease of cultivation make it a favored choice for enhancing biodiversity in both natural and cultivated settings.

Common Names

Eng: broomleaf toadflax
Deu: ginster-leinkraut, ginsterblättriges leinkraut
Fra: linaire à feuilles de genêt
Dan: visse-torskemund
Swe: ginstsporre, härmäkannusruoho
Fin: härmäkannusruoho
Lav: irbuleņlapu vīrcele
Nno: russetorskemunn
Nob: russetorskemunn
En: Broomleaf toadflax, Toadflax
Da: Visse-torskemund
Fi: Härmäkannusruoho
Fr: Linaire à feuilles de Genêt
De: Ginster-Leinkraut, Ginsterblättriges Leinkraut
It: Linajola a foglie di ginestra
Lv: Irbuleņlapu vīrcele
Nb: Russetorskemunn
Nn: Russetorskemunn
Sv: Ginstsporre, Härmäkannusruoho

Synonyms

• Peloria genistifolia ((L.) Raf.)

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Altay (native)
• Austria (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Central European Rus (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• East European Russia (native)
• Greece (native)
• Hungary (native)
• Italy (native)
• Kazakhstan (native)
• Krasnoyarsk (native)
• Krym (native)
• Lebanon-Syria (native)
• North Caucasus (native)
• Poland (native)
• Romania (native)
• South European Russi (native)
• Transcaucasus (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Turkey-in-Europe (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• Uzbekistan (native)
• West Siberia (native)
• Xinjiang (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• Cape Provinces (introduced)
• Free State (introduced)
• Germany (introduced)
• Masachusettes (introduced)
• Minnesota (introduced)
• New York (introduced)
• Ohio (introduced)
• Oregon (introduced)
• Utah (introduced)
• Washington (introduced)

Additional Images

© 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.

Flower

Taken Jul 16, 2022 by manos mpouts (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 10, 2021 by Martin Dimitrov (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 31, 2019 by Balázs Heizler (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 8, 2022 by Antoine Pancher (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 1, 2021 by Katrina Nieveen (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Apr 27, 2020 by Nicole Amsler (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 15, 2017 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Oct 15, 2017 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Oct 15, 2017 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Oct 15, 2017 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Leaf

Taken Jan 14, 2020 by julie holmes (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 13, 2019 by Fodor Eszter Fodor Eszter (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 21, 2020 by rittika rittika singh (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 21, 2020 by rittika rittika singh (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 31, 2019 by Balázs Heizler (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Oct 15, 2017 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Oct 15, 2017 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Ondřej Zicha (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Ondřej Zicha (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc)

Bark

Taken Jul 17, 2022 by Laszlo Tosoki (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 3, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Geneviève Botti (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Oct 15, 2017 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5415013)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:804629-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Linaria genistifolia (L.) Mill.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth