Butter & Eggs, Yellow Toadflax,Linaria vulgaris,Plantain Family (Plantaginaceae)

Found in cultivated fields, disturbed soil
Seen blooming at the end of June by Tierra Azul Acequia, Abiquiu

Unfortunately, this pretty plant with an amusing name is considered a noxious weed because its vigorous growth displaces desirable grasses. It grows from 1 to 3 feet tall in dense patches with narrow leaves and leafy stems. Looking very much like a snapdragon, the flowers are about one inch long and pale yellow with an orange lip. Butter & Eggs is an escaped ornamental brought to this country in the mid-1800’s. It was used as a yellow dye for centuries in Germany, so immigrants, especially the Mennonites, cultivated it for use in dyeing. This plant has a long history of use in folk medicine for a variety of ailments. The plant is especially valued for its strongly laxative and diuretic effects. It is employed internally in the treatment of oedema, jaundice, liver diseases, gall bladder complaints and skin problems. Externally it is applied to hemorrhoids, skin eruptions, sores and malignant ulcers. A homeopathic remedy is made from the plant and used in the treatment of diarrhea and cystitis. In addition, a tea made in milk instead of water has been used as an insecticide. Source. The Iroquois took an infusion of the plant as an anti-love medicine, to remove bewitching and gave it to babies that cried too much.
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