Dalmatian Toadflax

Linaria dalmatica (L.) Mill.

Family: Scrophulariaceae

Description and Life Cycle

A perennial, spreading by seeds and creeping root stock. Numerous light-green, smooth stems, 60-120 cm tall, are produced on each plant. Leaves are light green, heart shaped, and clasp the stem. Roots are large, rough surfaced, and somewhat branching, and may extend 3 m or more. Buds appear from the lateral roots, producing new top growth at varying intervals. Flowers, yellow tinged with orange, are "snapdragon" shaped, and up to 4 cm long.

Biological Control Agents

• Brachypterolus pulicarius – Beetle
• Calophasia lunula – Moth
• Eteobalea intermediella – Moth
• Eteobalea serratella - Moth
• Mecinus janthinus – Beetle (weevil)
• Rhinusa antirrhini – Beetle (weevil)
• Rhinusa linariae - Beetle (weevil)
• Rhinusa neta – Beetle (weevil)

References

Lethbridge Research Centre.  2006.  Classical biological control of weeds.  Gov. of Can., Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.  December 1, 2006.  http://res2.agr.ca/lethbridge/weedbio/plantcom_e.htm

Powell, G. W., A. Sturko, B. Wikeem and P. Harris.  1994.  Field guide to the biological control of weeds in British Columbia.  B.C. Min. For. Res. Prog.