Butter-and-eggs - Linaria vulgaris (Care, Characteristics, Flower, Images, Toxic)

Butter-and-eggs

Also known as: Yellow toadflax, Flaxweed

Butter-and-eggs (Linaria vulgaris) is a flowering toadflax species native to Europe and Central Asia. The plant gets its unusual nickname from the yellow color of its flowers. The butter-and-eggs is mildly toxic for livestock to consume. Because of the curved, semi-closed shape of its flowers, it needs strong pollinators like bumblebees.

Scientific classification

Species

Butter-and-eggs (Linaria vulgaris)

Mints plantains olives and allies

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Toxic to Human & Pets

Toxicity

Perennial

Lifespan

Herb

Plant Type

Summer, Early fall, Mid fall

Bloom Time

Late summer

Harvest Time

30 cm to 80 cm

Plant Height

50 cm

Spread

Green

Leaf Color

2 cm

Flower Size

Brown, Copper

Fruit Color

Yellow, White, Orange

Flower Color

Green, Yellow

Stem Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Deciduous

Leaf type

Images of Butter-and-eggs

Distribution of Butter-and-eggs

Distribution Map

Butter-and-eggs is primarily native to regions of Europe and Asia and has been cultivated in various locations. This species has a widespread presence, introduced to continents including South America, Africa, and Oceania. In some major regions, such as North America, butter-and-eggs is sometimes thought to be invasive and may have an impact on local ecosystems. Its cultivation and introduced status indicate an adaptable plant that is able to thrive in diverse environments.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Hedgerows, ditches, dry banks, roadside verges, sandy and gravelly soils, chalk and limestone districts

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Flowering

Fruiting

Culture

Garden Use

Butter-and-eggs is a wildflower that, when cultivated, is highly suitable for cottage style, pollinator, or wildflower gardens. Gardeners love that it attracts a range of pollinators and has a long flowering period, providing color for months at a time.

Symbolism

Tenacity

Interesting Facts

Butter-and-eggs is a gardener's most unpopular flower in the courtyard because once its seeds take root, the tiny roots germinate and reproduce quickly, and are hard to remove.

Name Story

Butter-and-eggs: The butter-and-eggs refers to certain plants whose flowers are of two shades of yellow. The flowers are featured with two parts which are the middle part and the surrounding part. The middle part of the flowers displays an egg yellow color while the surrounding petals display a butter yellow color, so it is called butter-and-eggs.

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Weed Control

Popular in North America and Europe for its decorative orange and yellow flowers, butter-and-eggs is also considered a noxious weed in some areas as it is toxic to livestock and drains the soil of water and nutrients.

How to Control It

The ideal time to manage butter-and-eggs is in the spring or early summer before it sets seed. Removing butter-and-eggs prior to seeding is crucial to prevent its spread.

Hand-pulling: Put on gloves, and firmly grasp the base of butter-and-eggs, pulling slowly to remove the entire root system.
Mulching: Lay a thick layer of organic mulch around desired plants to suppress butter-and-eggs growth by blocking sunlight.
Mowing: Regular mowing of the area can weaken butter-and-eggs if done before the plants flower and set seed.
Boiling water: Pour boiling water directly onto butter-and-eggs, taking care not to harm nearby desirable plants.
Plant competition: Cultivate vigorous plants that can out-compete butter-and-eggs for space, nutrients, and sunlight.

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Quickly Identify Butter-and-eggs

Distinctive yellow and orange snapdragon-like flowers bloom mid-summer to mid-fall.

Creeping rhizomes with roots extending up to 10 feet (3 meters) produce offshoots.

Thin, thread-like leaves with blue or gray-green hue.

Bright yellow, 1-inch (2.5 cm) flowers with orange throats in crowded raceme.

Fruit is a brown, globe-shaped capsule, 0.3 to 0.4 inches (7 to 10 mm) in diameter.

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Care Guide for Butter-and-eggs

Every week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

0 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: Butter-and-eggs flourishes in temperate climates, requiring consistent moisture but tolerating brief dry spells. A weekly watering schedule ensures optimal hydration, crucial for flowering, as water availability directly affects bloom size and duration, particularly for outdoor specimens.

Fertilize: Butter-and-eggs thrives with balanced NPK fertilizers, particularly with light feeding in early spring and monthly during blooming. Avoid over-fertilization to prevent damage, and water after feeding. Stop fertilization in fall to help prepare butter-and-eggs for winter.

Pruning: Butter-and-eggs produces vibrant yellow and orange flowers, resembling snapdragons. Prune in early to late spring by removing dead stems and cutting back overgrown areas to enhance growth and airflow. Regular pruning prevents invasiveness and promotes denser foliage. Use clean, sharp tools to minimize disease risk.

Propagation: Butter-and-eggs propagates easily by sowing in spring, with new growth indicating success. For optimal growth, provide adequate moisture and well-draining soil.

Repotting: Butter-and-eggs is a non-climbing perennial that needs repotting every 2-3 years. Early spring is ideal for repotting into a slightly larger pot. Afterward, maintain moist soil and provide plenty of sunlight for optimal recovery and growth.

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Images of Butter-and-eggs

Distribution of Butter-and-eggs

Culture

Weed Control

Quickly Identify Butter-and-eggs

Care Guide for Butter-and-eggs

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Common Pests & Diseases