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Blue Toadflax

Nuttallanthus canadensis

Last reviewed: August 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

Before you buy

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Southern RockiesChihuahuan DesertsSouthwestern TablelandsCentral Great PlainsCross TimbersTexas Blackland PrairiesEast Central Texas PlainsWestern Gulf Coastal PlainSouth Central PlainsEastern Temperate ForestsOzark HighlandsCentral Irregular PlainsPiedmontNorthern Lakes and ForestsNorth Central Hardwood ForestsDriftless AreaSoutheastern Wisconsin Till PlainsCentral Corn Belt PlainsSouthern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift PlainsNortheastern HighlandsNortheastern Coastal ZoneMiddle Atlantic Coastal PlainNorthern PiedmontSoutheastern PlainsBlue RidgeRidge and ValleyInterior River Valleys and HillsMississippi Alluvial PlainMississippi Valley Loess PlainsSouthern Coastal PlainSouthern Florida Coastal PlainAcadian Plains and HillsAtlantic Coastal Pine Barrens

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.

Common questions

How much sun does Blue Toadflax need?
Blue Toadflax grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Blue Toadflax bloom?
Blue Toadflax blooms in April, May, and June.
Where is Blue Toadflax native?
Blue Toadflax (Nuttallanthus canadensis) is native to OR, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Blue Toadflax attract?
Blue Toadflax draws bees and butterflies.
Is Blue Toadflax HOA-friendly?
Blue Toadflax takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Blue Toadflax? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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