Bastard Toadflax

Moth: Mournfull Thirlis (Thyris sepulchralis) with Bastard Toadflax
Photos by Christopher Zabawa

Bastard Toadflax (Comandra umbellate)

       Found in dry open areas, field and prairies throughout most of the United States and Canada, except Florida and Louisiana, the native plant, False Toadflax or Bastard Toadflax blooms in mid spring to early summer. The Bastard Toadflax a member of the Sandalwood family (Santalaceae ) produces groups of ¼ inch white flowers formed from five flower-like sepals. The smooth hairless leaves, to 1 ½ long, are found alternately along the stem.
        This plant is parasitic feeding on the roots of other trees and plants.
        Native Americans ate the fruit, which reportedly have a sweet flavor. The flowers have nectar which can be sucked out similar to a honey suckle flower.
        Medicinally the leaves were used to treat chest congestion and the liquid from the plant for the treatments of cuts.
        It is not recommended that these plants be used as medicine or food since they may have bad side effects. Similar species, misidentified, may cause illness or death.