Striped toadflax (Linaria repens, Gard. Dict. ed. 8: n.º 6 (1768))

Family: Plantaginaceae

Author: (L.) Mill.

Bibliography: Gard. Dict. ed. 8: n.º 6 (1768)

Year: 1768

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Linaria

Vegetable: False

Observations: NW. Germany to N. Spain

Description

The striped toadflax, scientifically known as Linaria repens, is an intriguing perennial herb that belongs to the Plantaginaceae family. Originally cataloged in the Gardener’s Dictionary in its eighth edition, number six, published in 1768 by Philip Miller, Linaria repens is distinguished by its delicate and elegant floral structures, which are distinguished by thin, vertical stripes that often give them a refined appearance.

This species is indigenous to a range of regions extending from Northwestern Germany down to Northern Spain. As such, it thrives in various European climates, demonstrating a remarkable adaptability to different environmental conditions. Typically, it can be found in habitats such as grasslands, meadows, and open woods where the soil is well-drained and nutritious.

Visually, the striped toadflax displays an array of slender, erect stems that can reach impressive heights. Its narrow, linear leaves exhibit a fine, green hue, often arranged in pairs or alternating along the stem. During the blooming season, it produces clusters of delicate flowers that captivate with their thin, vertical purple or lavender stripes over a white or light pink background. This striped pattern is one of the key features that differentiate it from other members of the Linaria genus.

Beyond its aesthetic appeal, Linaria repens plays a role in local ecosystems by attracting various pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, which are essential for maintaining the biodiversity of the regions it inhabits. The plant also contributes to soil health by preventing erosion with its robust root system.

Horticulturists and plant enthusiasts may cultivate striped toadflax for ornamental purposes due to its visually striking flowers and relatively low maintenance needs. It prefers sunny to partially shaded locations and requires minimal care once established. This makes it an excellent choice for garden borders, wildflower meadows, and naturalized planting schemes.

In summary, Linaria repens, or striped toadflax, is a fascinating and attractive herb with historical significance, ecological value, and ornamental potential. Its distinctive striped flowers and adaptability to various environments make it a noteworthy addition to both natural landscapes and cultivated gardens.

Common Names

Lit: bruožuotoji linažolė
Nld: gestreepte leeuwenbek
Deu: gestreiftes leinkraut, streifen-leinkraut
Pol: lnica kreskowana
Eng: pale toadflax, striped toadflax
Dan: stribet torskemund
Est: joonik käokannus
Fin: juovakannusruoho
Swe: juovakannusruoho, strimsporre, strimsporreblomma
Fra: linaire striée, linaire rampante, linaire à fleurs striées
Ces: lnice plazivá
Lav: ložņu vīrcele
Nob: stripetorskemunn
Nno: stripetorskemunn
Cym: gingroen gwelw, gingroen porffor gwelw, llin-y-llyffant gwelw
En: Striped toadflax, Pale Toadflax
Ca: Linària estriada
Cs: Lnice plazivá
Da: Stribet torskemund
Nl: Gestreepte leeuwenbek, Gestreepte Leeuwebek
Et: Joonik käokannus
Fi: Juovakannusruoho
Fr: Linaire striée, Linaire rampante, Linaire à fleurs striées
De: Gestreiftes Leinkraut, Streifen-Leinkraut, Kriechendes Leinkraut
It: Linajola striata
Lv: Ložņu vīrcele
Lt: Bruožuotoji linažolė
Nb: Stripetorskemunn
Nn: Stripetorskemunn
Pl: Lnica kreskowana
Sk: Pyštek plazivý
Sv: Strimsporre, Juovakannusruoho, Strimsporreblomma
Cy: Llin-y-llyffant gwelw, Gingroen Gwelw, Gingroen Porffor Gwelw

Synonyms

• Linaria stricta (Hornem.)
• Linaria procera (DC.)
• Antirrhinum monspessulanum (L.)
• Linaria striata var. ramosissima (Sennen)
• Linaria striata var. multiflora (Sennen)
• Linaria striata var. repens ((L.) Risso)
• Linaria striata var. monspessulana ((L.) Chav.)
• Linaria cyparissias (Tausch)
• Linaria monspessulana ((L.) Mill.)
• Linaria striata var. tristis (Chav.)
• Linaria repens var. blanca ((Pau) O.Bolòs & Vigo)
• Linaria repens var. gleoides (Dumort.)
• Linaria repens subsp. blanca ((Pau) Rivas Goday & Borja)
• Linaria dianthifolia (Spreng.)
• Linaria repens var. alba (Risso)
• Linaria striata var. foliosa (Sennen)
• Linaria repens var. conferta ((Benth.) Rouy)
• Linaria blanca (Pau)
• Linaria repens var. galioides ((Lamotte) Kerguélen)
• Linaria galioides (Schult. ex Steud.)
• Linaria repens var. monspessulana ((L.) Rouy)
• Linaria repens var. multiflora (Sennen)
• Linaria repens var. tristis ((Chav.) Rouy)
• Antirrhinum repens var. monspessulanum ((L.) Pers.)
• Antirrhinum repens (L.)
• Antirrhinum gallioides (Vent.)
• Antirrhinum confertum (Jan ex Benth.)
• Linaria striata var. galioides (Lamotte)
• Antirrhinum repens var. regulare (Gray)
• Linaria decumbens (Moench)
• Linaria striata var. conferta (Benth.)

Distribution

• Belgium (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Italy (native)
• Spain (native)
• Austria (introduced)
• Baltic States (introduced)
• Czechoslovakia (introduced)
• Denmark (introduced)
• Finland (introduced)
• Great Britain (introduced)
• Ireland (introduced)
• Maine (introduced)
• Masachusettes (introduced)
• Netherlands (introduced)
• New Brunswick (introduced)
• New Jersey (introduced)
• New York (introduced)
• Newfoundland (introduced)
• Norway (introduced)
• Nova Scotia (introduced)
• Poland (introduced)
• Sweden (introduced)
• Switzerland (introduced)
• Turkey (introduced)

Additional Images

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

Flower

Taken Jun 25, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 18, 2018 by Michel Hesse (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 18, 2018 by Michel Hesse (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 7, 2019 by zelda (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jul 15, 2021 by dewara (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 18, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 11, 2021 by Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 19, 2021 by Pierre LEON (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 25, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Oct 15, 2022 by Miguel A. C. (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 9, 2021 by Cédric Jankowiak (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 11, 2021 by Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 25, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 25, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Oct 15, 2022 by Miguel A. C. (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 18, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 6, 2021 by Pierre LEON (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 25, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 25, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jul 15, 2021 by Antoine Luciani (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 9, 2019 by Ken Sedman (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 23, 2020 by Aaron Harp (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 10, 2016 by Jean Gauberti (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 22, 2021 by Pierre LEON (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Aug 4, 2019 by Lene Larsen (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 26, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 7, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Dominique REMAUD (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 26, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 6, 2021 by Gaël GOUJON (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5415019)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:804897-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Linaria repens (L.) Mill.)

Specifications

Growth habit: Forb/herb

Growth

Ph maximum: 5.5

Ph minimum: 5.0

Light: 7

Atmospheric humidity: 5

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

Soil nutriments: 5