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pale bastard toadflax

Scientific Name: Comandra umbellata ssp. pallida

Family: Santalaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Subshrub, Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Pale Bastard Toadflax (Comandra umbellata subsp. pallida)

Pale Bastard Toadflax, scientifically known as Comandra umbellata subsp. pallida, is a perennial herb found across North America. It is known for its association with prairie ecosystems and its historical uses.

Common Names

  • Pale Bastard Toadflax
  • Bastard Toadflax
  • Pale Comandra
  • Common Toadflax
  • Pine Bastard Toadflax
  • Umbellate Bastard Toadflax
  • Common Comandra
  • California Bastard Toadflax (when referring to Comandra umbellata subsp. californica)

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Comandra umbellata (L.) Nutt. subsp. pallida (A. DC.) Piehl
  • Rank: Subspecies
  • Family: Santalaceae (Sandalwood Family)
  • Synonyms:
    • Comandra umbellata pallida (A.DC.) Piehl
    • Comandra pallida
    • Comandra cuneifolia Raf.
    • Comandra elliptica Raf.

Distribution and Habitat

Pale Bastard Toadflax is native to both Canada and the United States. It's found regularly in these regions and is often associated with prairie habitats and caliche soils, such as those found near Arlington, Oregon.

Morphological Characteristics

  • It is an herbaceous perennial plant that can grow up to 1 foot tall.
  • The stems are light green or light yellowish-green and can be either unbranched or sparingly branched.
  • Leaves are oblong, typically 1/2 to 1 1/2 inches long, with a pale underside and a pale midrib.
  • The stems are described as erect, slender, usually clustered, often branched, glabrous (smooth), and very leafy.

Traditional and Medicinal Uses

Historically, Pale Bastard Toadflax has been used medicinally. For example, the Navajo, Kayenta used it as an eye medicine for sore eyes.

Considerations for Pets

  • One report indicates a potential hazard associated with this plant. Further research is advised.

Further Information

  • USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
  • Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
  • Dave's Garden Plant Database
  • MountainNature.com - the Field Guide for the next Millennium