Prostrate toadflax (Linaria supina, P.Miller, Suppl. Dict. Jard. 2: 39 (1790))

Family: Plantaginaceae

Author: (L.) Chaz.

Bibliography: P.Miller, Suppl. Dict. Jard. 2: 39 (1790)

Year: 1790

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Linaria

Vegetable: False

Observations: SW. Europe to Italy

Description

Prostrate toadflax, scientifically known as Linaria supina, is a captivating plant species that belongs to the family Plantaginaceae. First documented by P. Miller in 1790 in the “Suppl. Dict. Jard.,” this plant was later classified by the botanist Chaz.

This low-growing herbaceous plant is natively found in the southwestern regions of Europe, extending all the way to Italy. Its prostrate nature allows it to sprawl elegantly across the ground, making it an attractive choice for ground cover in gardens and natural landscaping.

Linaria supina typically thrives in well-drained soils and is most commonly observed in rocky and sandy terrains, where it can often be found creeping along paths and open spaces. The plant’s delicate, slender stems support its distinctive small flowers, which can range in color from pale yellow to a soft lavender hue. These blooms often have a charming, two-lipped corolla structure, reminiscent of the snapdragon, a close relative.

Due to its hardy nature and low-maintenance requirements, the prostrate toadflax is a favored species among plant enthusiasts and gardeners who appreciate its aesthetic and ecological value. Moreover, its capacity to attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies adds to its desirability, promoting biodiversity within its growing area.

In addition to its ornamental use, Linaria supina also holds interest for botanists and ecologists. This plant serves as an excellent example of adaptation to diverse climatic conditions, which can range from the relatively mild coastal regions to more rugged inland areas.

In summary, Linaria supina, or prostrate toadflax, is an enchanting plant with a wide distribution across southwestern Europe to Italy, offering both beauty and ecological benefits. Its robust nature and modest care requirements make it a delightful addition to any gardener’s collection.

Common Names

Eng: lesser butter and eggs, prostrate toadflax
Swe: bleksporre
Nld: liggende leeuwenbek
Cym: gingroen gorweddol, llin-y-llyffant gorweddol
En: Prostrate toadflax, Lesser butter and eggs, Lesser Butter-and-eggs
Ca: Linària supina
Nl: Liggende leeuwenbek, Liggende Leeuwebek
Fi: Rentokannusruoho
Fr: Linaire couchée
De: Liegendes Leinkraut, Niederliegendes Leinkraut, Niedriges Leinkraut, Zwerg-Leinkraut
It: Linajola dei serpentini
Es: Linaria supina
Sv: Bleksporre
Cy: Gingroen Gorweddol, Llin-y-Llyffant Gorweddol

Synonyms

Distribution

• France (native)
• Italy (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Spain (native)
• Austria (introduced)
• Great Britain (introduced)
• New York (introduced)
• Sweden (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Aug 8, 2021 by Bénédicte OUDART (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 1, 2021 by margarida vila (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 1, 2021 by margarida vila (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 1, 2021 by margarida vila (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 17, 2019 by Javier López (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Aug 2, 2020 by Shamim Ahmad Wani (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 19, 2021 by Nicolas Bazin (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 18, 2021 by Jacint Picas (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 3, 2022 by Michel Ambroise (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 17, 2019 by Javier López (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)

Taken Oct 26, 2021 by Renaud Brochiero (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 17, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Jacques HOUDRÉ (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 23, 2010 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Jacques HOUDRÉ (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 7, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Florent ESCUDIER (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Oct 7, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Florent ESCUDIER (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 7, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Florent ESCUDIER (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 7, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Florent ESCUDIER (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 23, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Marie PAGNIER (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 19, 2021 by Nicolas Bazin (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jul 23, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 6, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 6, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 13, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Marie PORTAS (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 20, 2019 by Gaétan MILET (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.

Bark

Taken May 13, 2017 by Candice Christin (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 5, 2022 by Didier (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 2, 2018 by Hugo SANTACREU (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5415009)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:804985-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Linaria supina (L.) Chaz.)

Specifications

Growth habit: Forb/herb

Growth

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