I'm a fairly new gardener working on my Master Gardener certification......so, maybe the experts can help me identify a perennial (summer blooming) in my garden. It has small white and yellow flowers (sort of "snapdragony") with fern-like foliage. I got it from a friends garden a while ago and she called it a Bread and Butter plant. I have been everywhere and can't find another and also have not found it on any plant identification sites..... I live in the mid-west in zone 5b (if this helps). Thanks!
Hi. I know it as a non-native flower/weed (depending on where you live, I guess) by the name of butter and eggs. I've never seen it offered at nurseries despite being a lovely little plant; it's listed as an invasive. It spreads underground so it's hard to eradicate and self-sows (said 1 plant can produce up to 1/2 million seeds...not sure how reliable the # is but if you have one and want more, just wait...!) It's "mildly" poisonous, not good in livestock pastures and can devalue crops where it grows in with what is wanted. Still, have often enjoyed it's flowers.
The correct English name for Linaria vulgaris is Common Toadflax: http://ip30.eti.uva.nl/BIS/flora.php?selected=beschrijving&menuentry=soorten&id=3612
"Bread and butter" may not refer to an actual plant. It's common that plants in the southern US are referred to as 'bread & butter plants'. GardenSmart contains this quote "Tom has utilized a lot of "bread and butter" plants. Plants we see frequently throughout the south."
WOW! You guys are great; I have been searching for this for about 2 years! Thanks alot for the prompt info.... mary in Indiana
