Linaria maroccana
Moroccan toad flax
(c) Sylvain Eichhorn, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Sylvain Eichhorn · licence
Family: Plantaginaceae · Type: Herb · Not Native
Linaria maroccana (Moroccan toad flax) is a non-native California herb in the Plantaginaceae family, recognized by distinctive red-violet/magenta flowers separate it from yellow-flowered species.
Moroccan toad flax is a naturalized annual found in northern coastal California, the Great Valley, central western California, southwestern California, western Mojave Desert, and western Sonoran Desert in disturbed areas at elevations below 830 meters. Flowering from March to June, this plant produces red-violet to magenta flowers with a distinctive swollen throat in white, red, or yellow, typically 20 to 38 millimeters long. Growing with slender stems up to 50 centimeters tall and becoming slightly glandular-puberulent, it spreads in open, loose clusters. Its narrow linear leaves measure 20 to 40 millimeters long, providing a delicate green backdrop to the vibrant blooms. The small black seeds are pyramid-shaped with distinctive ridges, approximately 1 millimeter in size.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Co-occurs with 5 species; distinctive red-violet/magenta flowers separate it from yellow-flowered species
Habitat and range
Habitat: Disturbed areas
Elevation: < 830 m
Outside California: native to Mediterranean
Bloom period
Linaria maroccana blooms Mar-Jun.
How to tell it apart
vs Antirrhinum: Linaria has a true backward-pointing spur; Antirrhinum has only a sac-like swelling at flower base.; vs Nemesia: Linaria has a long backward-pointing spur; Nemesia has a short spur or pouch.; vs Collinsia: Linaria has spurred flowers with throat swelling; Collinsia has keeled lower lip with stamens tucked inside.; vs Salvia: Linaria has five stamens and spurred flowers; Salvia has two stamens and square stems.
Frequently asked questions
Is Linaria maroccana native to California?
No. Linaria maroccana is not native to California (recorded as not native).
When does Linaria maroccana bloom?
Linaria maroccana blooms Mar-Jun.
What plant family does Linaria maroccana belong to?
Linaria maroccana is in the Plantaginaceae family, genus Linaria.
What habitat does Linaria maroccana grow in?
Linaria maroccana grows in Disturbed areas.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.