Ballast Toadflax

Appearance

Variable on a number of characteristics, including the hairiness of the inflorescence. The most typical plants are practically glabrous inflorescence and have the flowers away. However, there are also plants with characteristics intermediate between L.spartea and L.viscosa with which must not be confused.

Naming

[LINARIA, -ae, f. - Lat. linaria medieval, -ae f. = The toadflax (Linaria Mill. Sp. Pl., Scrophulariaceae).
According Bauhin C. (1623), by the similarity of its leaves with flax (Linum usitatissimum L. Linaceae) -GR. Linon, -ou n.; lat. linum, -i n.; lat. linaria, -ae f. = Workshop where flax works]

Distribution

Iberian peninsula

Status

Not protected by Portuguese law or the European Community.

Habitat

Meadows, pastures, clearings xerophilic scrubland, pine forests and woods. In sandy substrates and acids.

Reproduction

From spring to late autumn and even if this is not too dry or cold, until early winter.