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Comandra umbellata (Bastard toadflax)
Bruso, George H.

Comandra umbellata (L.) Nutt.

Bastard toadflax

Santalaceae (Sandalwood Family)

USDA Symbol: coum

USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.

A parasitic plant with compact terminal clusters of small, greenish-white, funnel-like flowers.

Although a photosynthetic plant that manufactures its own food, it is also a parasite, obtaining some of its nutrients from the roots of trees and shrubs. Although usually found in dry fields, it is also seen in bogs that dry out periodically. The generic name derives from the Greek come (hair) and andros (a male) and refers to the hairy attachment of the anthers to the sepals. Northern Comandra (Geocaulon lividum), a related plant common in Canada, may be seen on some of the New England mountains. It is smaller and has purple flowers.

 

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Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Subshrub
Fruit:

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: White
Bloom Time: Apr , May , Jun

Distribution

USA: AL , AR , AZ , CA , CO , CT , DC , DE , GA , IA , ID , IL , IN , KS , KY , MA , MD , ME , MI , MN , MO , MS , MT , NC , ND , NE , NH , NJ , NM , NV , NY , OH , OK , OR , PA , RI , SC , SD , TN , TX , UT , VA , VT , WA , WI , WV , WY
Canada: NB , NS , PE
Native Distribution: Maine south to Georgia; west to Alabama; north to Michigan.
Native Habitat: Dry fields, thickets.
USDA Native Status: L48(N), CAN(N)

Growing Conditions

Soil Moisture: Dry

Benefit

Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Attracts: Butterflies
Larval Host: Common Buckeye

Value to Beneficial Insects

Supports Conservation Biological Control

This information was provided by the Pollinator Program at The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation.

Butterflies and Moths of North America (BAMONA)

Comandra umbellata is a larval host and/or nectar source for:
Common Buckeye
(Junonia coenia)

Larval Host
Learn more at BAMONA

Bibliography

Bibref 1186 - Field Guide to Moths of Eastern North America (2005) Covell, C.V., Jr.
Bibref 1185 - Field Guide to Western Butterflies (Peterson Field Guides) (1999) Opler, P.A. and A.B. Wright

Search More Titles in Bibliography

Recommended Species Lists

Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.

View Recommended Species page

Additional resources

USDA: Find Comandra umbellata in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Comandra umbellata in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Comandra umbellata

Metadata

Record Modified: 2010-05-07
Research By: TWC Staff

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