Quick facts
Dalmatian toadflax is a prohibited invasive species. It is illegal to possess, import, purchase, transport, or introduce these species (including hybrids or cultivars) except under a permit or statutory exemption. Transport directly to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources in a sealed container for identification or reporting purposes is permitted.
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Dalmatian toadflax outcompetes native vegetation.
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It forms large monocultures, reducing livestock production, land values, biodiversity and wildlife habitat.
Dalmatian toadflax should be reported. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources provides detailed recommendations for reporting invasive species.
How to identify dalmatian toadflax
- Dalmatian toadflax (Linaria dalmatica), also known as wild snapdragon, is a short-lived perennial with waxy bluish-green stems and leaves.
- It can grow up to four feet tall.
Stem
- Plant is often branched, and has a woody base.
Leaves
- Heart shaped, alternate, one to three inches long and clasp the stem.
Flowers
- Multiple flowers are arranged in spikes on the stems.
- They are bright yellow and sometimes have an orange center.
- The flowers are one to one and a half inches long and have spurs.
- Blooms early summer to early fall.
Seeds
- Seed pods are a half inch long and contain 140–250 small, dark brown to black seeds with wings.
- Seed survive in the soil for up to ten years.
Roots
- Dalmatian toadflax produces both taproots and creeping roots, with adventitious buds forming new individuals.
- Roots can grow four to ten feet deep and can extend ten feet from the parent plant.
Reviewed in 2019