toadflax

[tohd-flaks]

noun

1. a common European plant, Linaria vulgaris, of the figwort family, having narrow leaves and showy yellow-and-orange flowers, naturalized as a weed in the U.S.

2. any plant of the same genus.

toadflax

/ ˈtəʊdˌflæks /

noun

1. Also called: butter-and-eggs. any of various scrophulariaceous plants of the genus Linaria, esp L. vulgaris, having narrow leaves and spurred two-lipped yellow-orange flowers

Word History and Origins

Origin of toadflax¹

First recorded in 1570–80; toad + flax

Example Sentences

There were the blue toadflax, the soft yellow whispering bells, the purple Venus’ looking glass.

From Los Angeles Times

One morning she had me traipsing out at the crack of dawn for prickly poppy, toadflax, spiderwort, and skeleton weed.

From Literature

Plants targeted in the weed purges include Dalmatian toadflax, dyer’s woad and houndstongue.

From Washington Times

Ivy trailed over it and the valerian and creeping mauve toadflax.

From Literature

The scarves are emblazoned with botanical prints based on plants like white oxeye daisy, purple spotted knapweed and yellow toadflax.

From Seattle Times