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Alpine toadflax

Alpine toadflax

Alpine flower, primarily pollinated by bumblebees.

The alpine toadflax can be seen from afar. In high mountain scree, it greets us with its purple and orange flowers between June and September.

The alpine toadflax anchors itself in the unstable substrate of scree with its long, branching root system. It grows high in the Slovenian Alps, but it is often washed away by torrential waters and deposited in lower areas, where this colorful flower continues to thrive. It grows to a height of five to fifteen centimeters and blooms from June to September.

This colorful alpine beauty has a two-lipped, symetrical flower, a superior ovary, four stamens, and a spur. Its leaves are small, bluish-green, narrow, and almost needle-lik.

The bright orange protrusion poses a significant obstacle for potential pollinators, as the pollen and sweet nectar are located within the long spur. Only strong insects are able to access the flower.

 

                                  Source: Pixabay

Alpine toadflax (Linaria alpina)

Size
  • from 5 to 15 cm 
Blooming period
  • June - September
Growing site

  • scree, gravel
Distribution

  • the Julian Alps
   
Kingdom
  • Plantae
Phylum
  • angiosperms
Class
  • dicotyledons
Order
  • Lamiales
Family
  • Plantaginaceae
Genus
  • Linaria
Species
  • Alpine toadflax

 

DO YOU KNOW?

  1. In the Middle Ages, alpine toadflax was placed in children's cradles, as it was believed to protect children from curses.