Q: My neighbor’s yard has been left vacant for some time and I just noticed dozens of clusters of pretty, small purple flowered weeds. The flowers are on top of a tall, thin stalk which is about 1 foot tall. What is the plant and do I need to worry about it coming into my yard?

A: Oldfield toadflax, Linaria canadensis (L.), is a winter or cool season annual or biennial. It is also known by other common names such as annual toadflax, blue toadflax, or Canada toadflax. Oldfield toadflax can produce leaf clusters along the ground in one season then grow a 12- 24 inch slender stalk and flower during the second season which is why it is classified as a biennial. The species name canadensis was applied because it was first identified in Canada. However, this little wildflower is found from Canada, throughout the United States and into South America. Most people consider it a wildflower as long as it is growing along the roadside but when it grows in the lawn, it becomes classified as a weed. The flowers are small, light blue to nearly white. Oldfield toadflax blooms in late winter to spring and it is popping up all over the area now. Oldfield toadflax reproduces by seed only, so hand pulling it would be beneficial to reduce the number of plants next year. As to whether it will end up in your yard – dispersal of seeds can be done by wind, animals or rain. This makes it quite possible for some of the seeds to end up in your yard especially if there is no wind barrier between the two properties. Some protection would be possible by planting shrubs or ornamental plants between the two yards. However, no property is ever totally isolated from the potential of weed seeds. The best defense is healthy, non-stressed grass. You know what I am going to tell you – do not over water, do not over fertilize and do not mow the lawn too short.

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