Butter and Eggs

(Linaria vulgaris)

 

   

 

Color Photograph: Copyright Nearctica.com, Inc.

Line Drawing: Britton, N.L., and A. Brown. 1913. An Illustrated Flora of the Northern United States and Canada, Second Edition.

 

Butter and Eggs (Linaria vulgaris P. Mill.)

Alien: Native of Europe.

Identification: Flowers pale yellow, complicated in structure, snapdragonlike. Center of flower with a pillow-like orange plate. Base of flower with a long, downward pointed spur. Flowers arranged in a crowded, long, apical spike. Leaves long, narrow, alternate on the stem. Plant 1 to 3 feet in height.

Distribution: Throughout most of North America.

Habitat: Butter and Eggs is a weed found in disturbed habitats such as fields, empty lots, and along roadsides.

Flowering period: June to October.

Similar Species: This familiar weed is easily identified by its unique flower structure.

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