Linaria purpurea

Linaria purpurea - Our favorite weed!

Commonly known as Toad Flax, Linaria purpurea is native to Italy but has made itself right at home in California. It seeds freely throughout our garden and is prolific but not invasive. Although this lovely ephemeral beauty never seems to grow exactly where a gardener might want it, we don’t have the heart to pull it out.

With fine, blue gray foliage, and a narrow upright habit, Toad Flax makes a great filler and doesn’t crowd out its neighbors. Don’t be fooled by the delicate appearance of this wispy plant, Linaria can live in some challenging conditions. It can be found in our garden in sun or shade, gravel or dense, dry, root packed soil. Occasionally, it blooms a dusty pink color instead of the usual purple, just to keep us guessing.

Submitted by Siena MacFarland
Staff Gardener