Tennessee Smart Yards Native Plants
A comprehensive database of Tennessee native plants
Bastard Toadflax
Bastard ToadflaxComandra umbellataFull to part sun; medium to dry moisture level; loamy, sandy or rocky soil; acidic to neutral pH. 9-12 inches height; blooms late spring to early summer for about a month; white flowers; spreads by underground rhizomes.Germination Code: K ?. This is a very difficult seed to germinate.Native Region: Scattered statewide and most concentrated in Middle TennesseeThis species is hemiparasitic, meaning that it makes some of its own nutrients from photosynthesis and gets some nutrients from parasitizing other plants. It attaches itself to the roots of these plants and is quite adaptable, using over 200 known plant species ranging from flowers, to grasses, to trees. Flowers are in tightly packed flat clusters of a few to many flowers at the end of a slender stalk. Each flower is about 1/4 inch across. It spreads by underground rhizomes and can form large colonies. Found naturally in disturbed habitat, cliffs, ledges, meadows, fields and woodland openings. Attracts many bees and less commonly butterflies and beetles. Larval host to the Common Buckeye butterfly. flower;sun;medium;loam |
 Photo Courtesy of Prairie Moon Nursery https://www.prairiemoon.com  Photo Courtesy of Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center http://www.wildflower.org/  Photo Courtesy of Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center http://www.wildflower.org/ |
Tennessee Smart Yards Native Plants 