SafePlants

Comandra umbellata: Bastard Toadflax

Comandra umbellata, a captivating wildflower, is known by the common names bastard toadflax and umbellate bastard toadflax. In Europe, the name "bastard toadflax" is also used for plants of the genus Thesium.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Comandra umbellata (L.) Nutt.
• Family: Santalaceae (Sandalwood Family)
• Genus: Comandra (monotypic)
• Synonyms:
  • Comandra cuneifolia Raf.
  • Comandra elliptica Raf.
  • Comandra umbellata pallida (A.DC.) Piehl
• Subspecies:
  • Comandra umbellata subspecies pallida
  • Comandra umbellata (L.) Nutt. ssp. californica (Rydb.) Piehl

Distribution and Habitat

Comandra umbellata is native to North America. Subspecies pallida is found in semi-desert and foothill environments, specifically in meadows and openings.

Ecological Role

• Comandra umbellata is a hemiparasitic species, meaning it can attach specialized roots to host plants to obtain nutrients and/or water.
• It often attaches to a host plant to meet nutritional and/or water needs.

Morphological Characteristics

• Comandra umbellata is a perennial herb that typically grows up to 1 foot (0.3 meters) tall.
• It features leafy stems that are typically smooth and light green, sometimes with a few branches.
• The leaves are alternate, simple, and nearly without stalks.
• It produces small, star-shaped flowers, approximately 1 inch across, with a green center and five yellowish-green petals. The flowers are arranged in flat clusters.
• Flowering occurs from April to June.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Comandra umbellata is a host plant for the Bastard-toadflax Bug (Canthophorus impressus).

Quirky Facts

• The name "comandra" is derived from the hairs found at the base of the plant's stamens.
• Despite its name, bastard toadflax is not related to flax or toadflax, and its flowers and leaves do not resemble either.