Comandra umbellata Bastard Toad Flax, California bastard toadflax, Pale bastard toadflax PFAF Plant Database

Translate this page:

Summary

Taxonomic Note: This genus was formerly classified in the family Viscaceae. Modern classifications include it within the Santalaceae.

Physical Characteristics

Comandra umbellata is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft). It is in flower from April to June. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs).
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid soils and can grow in very acid soils.
It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Plant Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Nectar
Edible Uses:

Fruit - raw[60, 105]. A sweet flavour[61]. The flowers are sucked by children for their sweet nectar[257].

References More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Pectoral Salve

An infusion of the leaves has been used to treat lung pains and laboured breathing caused by a cold or other illness[257]. The juice of the plant has been applied externally to treat cuts and sores[257].

References More on Medicinal Uses

Other Uses

None known

Special Uses

References More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in many parts of this country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Requires a well-drained moisture retentive lime-free soil[200]. A parasitic plant obtaining at least some of its nutrients from the roots of other plants[200, 235]. It is said to parasitize over 200 different species of plants in the wild[274].

References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

Type a value in the Celsius field to convert the value to Fahrenheit:

Celsius Fahrenheit:

Plant Propagation

Seed - stratify for 3 months at 5°c and then sow in the greenhouse in a pot with a suitable host. Plant out when it is well established close to a mature host plant[200].

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Range

NORTHERN AMERICA: Canada (Québec, Newfoundland and Labrador, Manitoba), United States (Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Wisconsin, Arkansas)

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it's worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

IUCN Red List

Related Plants

Latin Name	Common Name	Habit	Height	Hardiness	Growth	Soil	Shade	Moisture	Edible	Medicinal	Other
Comandra pallida	Pale Bastard Toadflax	Perennial	0.4	3-9		LMH	N	M	1	1	2
Comandra richardsiana	Bastard Toad Flax	Perennial	0.3	-		LMH	N	M	1	0

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

Support Plants For A Future

Plants For A Future relies on regular donations to keep our free database and search facilities going, to pay for ongoing research, improvements and enhancements, and to develop and publish new books. Read more

Choose Currency

Donate in £ GBP Donate in $ USD Donate in € EUR

Securely pay via PayPal or Credit/Debit Card without an account.

Expert comment

Author

(L.)Nutt.

Botanical References

4360

Links / References

For a list of references used on this page please go here

Comandra umbellata - (L.)Nutt.