bastard toadflax
ExplorePlants
bastard toadflax
Comandra umbellata
Bastard toadflax is a unique plant that grows close to the ground with pretty yellow flowers. It loves to live in dry, sandy places and is a special part of the wild landscape.
Habitat: Grasslands
Appearance
The bastard toadflax has slender, upright stems with narrow, green leaves. Its small, whitish-green to pinkish flowers are clustered at the stem tips, forming umbrella-like arrangements. These delicate blooms often stand out against the backdrop of its host plants.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderSantalalesFamilyComandraceaeGenusComandra
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
15
Interesting facts
It's a distant cousin of the famous sandalwood tree, known for its sweet, earthy smell!
Its name 'toadflax' actually describes plants with small, delicate flowers, not real toads!
Look closely at its flowers; they bloom in tiny clusters that resemble mini umbrellas!
You can find this plant living in almost every state in the USA and across Canada!
Special abilities
Ability
Secret Sipper
Bastard toadflax can parasitize other plants, tapping into their roots for extra water and nutrients to grow stronger.
Ability
Berry Bonanza
This plant produces bright red berries that attract birds, helping spread its seeds far and wide for new plants.
Ability
Tough Tracker
It has a wide root system that can locate many different host plants, helping it thrive in varied soils.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 15-40 cm
- Flower Size
- 0.3-0.5 cm
- Bloom Season
- Late spring to early summer
- Edible
- No
- Toxicity
- None
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Pollination Method
- Insect
Ecological connections
parasitizes
Red Oak
Quercus rubra
Taps into its roots for nutrients.
parasitizes
Eastern White Pine
Pinus strobus
Borrows water and minerals from roots.
pollinates
Common Eastern Bumble Bee
Bombus impatiens
Visits flowers to collect nectar.
eaten by
American Robin
Turdus migratorius
Eats its bright red berries.
Traits
Flowering
Flowering plants are any plants that produce flowers as part of their reproductive cycle.
Cluster Flower
Cluster flowers are inflorescences where individual flowers are arranged closely together on a common stem.
Summer Blooming
Summer blooming plants produce their flowers during the summer season, often providing vibrant color when many other plants have finished.
Drought Tolerant
Drought-tolerant plants can survive and flourish in conditions with limited water availability.
Grassland
Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals.
Pollinator Magnet
Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Always look but don't touch wild plants unless an adult says it's safe.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to identify bastard toadflax?
The easiest way to identify bastard toadflax is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.
How tall is bastard toadflax?
15-40 cm
How big are the flowers on bastard toadflax?
0.3-0.5 cm
When does bastard toadflax bloom?
Late spring to early summer
Is bastard toadflax edible?
No
Is bastard toadflax toxic?
None
What is bastard toadflax's lifecycle?
Perennial
How is bastard toadflax pollinated?
Insect
Snap Map
Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.
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Recent Snaps
May 14, 2026
Toadstool Geologic Parki
Photo attribution
(c) hr_dragonfly, some rights reserved (CC BY)
License: CC BY 4.0 ↗
Image may be shown cropped inside the card frame.
May 14, 2026
Toadstool Geologic Parki
Photo attribution
(c) hr_dragonfly, some rights reserved (CC BY)
License: CC BY 4.0 ↗
Image may be shown cropped inside the card frame.
Where to spot
Park35 sightings50 species
Arizona, US
Chiricahua National Monument Historic Designed Landscape
You might spot Yarrow's Spiny Lizard and Mexican Jay.
View guide →
Park41 sightings50 species
Michigan, US
Glen Haven
You might spot Bladder Campion, Bearberry, and Common Milkweed.
View guide →
Park43 sightings50 species
Massachusetts, US
Rogerson's Village Historic District
You might spot Painted Turtle and Eastern White Pine.
View guide →
Park45 sightings50 species
Connecticut, US
South Glastonbury Historic District
You might spot Eastern Skunk Cabbage and Garlic Mustard.
View guide →
Park46 sightings50 species
Massachusetts, US
South Hadley Canal
You might spot Common Eastern Bumble Bee and Eastern Gray Squirrel.
View guide →
Park36 sightings50 species
Nebraska, US
Toadstool Geologic Park
You might spot Lark Sparrow, Rock Wren, and Scarlet Globemallow.
View guide →