Minnesota Wildflowers


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Comandra umbellata (Bastard Toadflax)

Plant Info
Also known as:
Genus:Comandra
Family:Santalaceae (Sandalwood)
Life cycle:perennial
Origin:native
Habitat:part shade, sun; dry prairies, open woods, sandy or rocky soil
Bloom season:May - July
Plant height:3 to 12 inches
USDA PLANTS database:Minnesota county distribution map
Spotted in Ramsey County at:

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Detailed Information

Flower: 5-petals tubular flat

[photo of flowers] Tightly packed flat clusters of a few to many flowers at the end of a slender stalk, at the end of the main stem. Individual flowers are white, 1/8 to ¼ inch across, tubular with 5 pointed lobes that flare out, giving it a star shape. The inside of the tube is green and holds 5 yellow stamens. A plant may branch, with clusters at the end of branching stems.

Leaves and stem: alternate simple

[photo of leaves] Leaves are generally oval, toothless, hairless, ½ to 2 inches long and 1/8 to ¾ inch wide, with a pointed or blunt tip and little or no leaf stem. Attachment is alternate. The main stem is smooth and slender.

Where to buy native seed and plants

Help support this site by buying seeds & plants from these vendors. Tell them we sent you!

  • Shooting Star Native Seeds - Native Prairie Grass and Wildflower Seeds
  • Prairie Restorations - Bringing people together with the land
  • Shop for native seeds and plants at PrairieMoon.com!
  • Out Back Nursery and Landscaping - Where Ecology and Horticulture Unite

Map of native plant purveyors in the upper midwest

More photos

Photos taken at Long Lake Regional Park, New Brighton, MN and Wild River State Park, Center City, MN May-June 2008

Comments

Have you seen this plant in Minnesota, or have any other comments about it?

Posted by: Heather in Minnetonka, Purgatory Park
on: 2010-06-11 17:05:35

Several plants on the edge of a short grass remnant in this park.

Posted by: Brian in LeSueur County, Kasota Prairie SNA
on: 2011-06-12 01:40:20

I saw quite a few of these in the Kasota Prairie SNA on May 28, 2011. Here's a link for a photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/aeranthes/5820505030/in/photostream

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