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Blue Toadflax

Nuttallanthus canadensis

Last reviewed: June 2026

Blue Toadflax (Nuttallanthus canadensis)
Photo: USGS Bee Inventory and Monitoring Lab from Beltsville, Maryland, USA / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

Light

part sun

Water

medium

Size

4"–24" H × 4"–12" W

Bloom

Apr, May, Jun

Native to

OR

Pollinators

bees, butterflies

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Chihuahuan DesertsCentral Oklahoma/Texas PlainsTexas Blackland PrairiesEast Central Texas PlainsWestern Gulf Coastal PlainSouth Central Plains

Nuttallanthus canadensis is a delicate annual wildflower that produces small snapdragon-like blue to purple flowers on slender stems. It grows in a compact, upright form and blooms from April through June. This plant naturally reseeds in suitable locations and prefers well-drained soils with moderate moisture.

In an HOA neighborhood

Blue Toadflax takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

  • Very small flowers may appear weedy to some
  • Annual nature means gaps when plants don't return
  • Can look sparse or informal in structured landscapes

Wildlife value

The flowers attract native bees and butterflies during its spring blooming period. As an annual, it provides nectar resources during the important early season when many pollinators are most active.

Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Does Blue Toadflax fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.

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