Bastard Toad Flax
Comandra umbellata
Educational content — not medical, botanical, or professional advice. Plant identification, safety, and edibility depend on local conditions, cultivars, and correct identification. Consult a qualified botanist or forager before consuming or handling wild specimens. How we source & review →
Pl. 6A20 — Comandra umbellata
Comandra umbellataComandra umbellataComandra umbellataComandra umbellataComandra umbellataComandra umbellataComandra umbellataComandra umbellataComandra umbellataComandra umbellataComandra umbellataComandra umbellataComandra umbellataComandra umbellata
IOverview
Overview
Bastard Toad Flax (Comandra umbellata) is a perennial subshrub or herb that thrives in various habitats across North America and Europe, from the northeastern United States to Mexico and into Canada, as well as parts of Asia including Turkey and Bulgaria. Known for its edible fruit and nectar, this plant prefers full sun and can tolerate both dry and moist conditions, thriving in light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soils. Standing at about 0.3 meters tall, it is distinguished by its distinctive small white flowers and blue-black berries that are often used in traditional cooking.
Quick answers
What is Bastard Toad Flax?
Bastard Toad Flax (Comandra umbellata) is a perennial subshrub or herb that thrives in various habitats across North America and Europe, from the northeastern United States to Mexico and into Canada, as well as parts of Asia including Turkey and Bulgaria.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Bastard Toad Flax thrives in full sun and prefers well-drained soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is drought-tolerant but will also grow in moist conditions. This perennial subshrub or herb reaches a height of about 0.3 meters and is hardy in temperate regions. For propagation, gardeners can use seeds or division. The plant's fruit and nectar are edible, making it useful for both culinary and pollinator purposes.
Light
Full sun
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Subshrub, Forb/herb
Mature size
0.3 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Bastard Toad Flax for the first time
8steps
Start with a simple, low-maintenance approach to growing Bastard Toad Flax.
- 1
What you'll need
A small plot of well-draining soil or a container pot, seeds or young plants.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in early spring after the last frost or late summer for best results.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure the soil is light (sandy), medium, or heavy with good drainage. Containers should have holes for proper drainage.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 0.3 meters apart in the ground or transplant young plants into prepared soil.
- 5
First two weeks
Water sparingly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and protect from extreme heat or cold.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun exposure. Water only when necessary during dry spells, and mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead or damaged foliage to maintain plant health and appearance. Harvest fruit for culinary use if desired.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy shade, neglecting to protect from extreme weather conditions.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FruitNectar
Edible uses: The bastard toad flax is edible and its fruit can be eaten raw or used in various preparations. The nectar from the plant is also sometimes consumed. However, specific culinary uses are not detailed in the provided data.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 30 native
Europe3 regions
native (3)AlbaniaBulgariaGreece
Asia1 region
native (1)Georgia
Broader regions
native:Alberta, Arizona, Arkansas, British Columbia, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Labrador, Maine, Manitoba, Maryland, Mexico Northeast, Mexico Northwest, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, Massachusetts
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
XII
About this entry
- Last updated
- Citation
- How to cite this entry · Submit a correction
Back to the cataloguePlant id · 6a206263-7ebc-4462-8300-49cccbc4e99c
Decision aid
Choosing between Bastard Toad Flax and something else?
Continue reading
❦❦❦❦
Endpaper · archive updates
Get archive updates
Occasional email when substantial new content lands — plant profiles, seasonal growing notes, folk-remedy additions. Free, no tracking, unsubscribe anytime.