Toadflax
/ˈtoʊd.flæks/noun
A plant of the genus Linaria, especially one with snapdragon-like flowers and narrow leaves.
Did you know?The name toadflax is an English folk name for plants like Linaria, and its first element likely comes from the plant’s toad-like, angular appearance rather than any real link to toads or magic.
Etymological Timeline
Old English
OE
tādige?
“No secure direct ancestor is documented for the modern plant name; the name is later English folk formation.”
Middle English
ME
toad flax
“A folk compound name for a flax-like plant, probably referring to its appearance.”
16th Century
English
toadflax
“Applied to various wild plants with narrow leaves and irregular flowers, especially Linaria.”
Modern English
English
toadflax
“Any of several Linaria species, especially common toadflax.”