Bastard toadflax ( usually uncountable, plural bastard toadflaxes ) Any of several related hemiparasitic plants in the family Santalaceae ( Britain, Ireland) Any plant in the genus Thesium ( US) Comandra umbellata ( US) Geocaulon lividum Description Bastard toadflax is a 4 ″ to 12 ″ tall, erect, often branched, leafy, perennial herb that rises from fibrous roots and horizontal rhizomes It often forms colonies and a single clone can cover a large area It is semiparasitic, deriving water and nutrition from the roots of other plants, but also getting nutrition from photosynthesis Native Americans used the fruits of bastard toadflax as a minor food source and treated cuts, sores, and eye inflammations with a wash made from the plant Comments Bastard toadflax is partially parasitic on other plants Its roots penetrate those of nearby plants to obtain nutrients and water
Bastard Toadflax Red Rock Canyon Las Vegas
