Share

Ivy-leaved Toadflax

©Katrina Martin/2020VISION

Ivy-leaved toadflax

Enw gwyddonol: Cymbalaria muralis
Ivy-leaved toadflax is an introduced species in the UK that has become widely naturalised. Look for creeping along old walls and pavements, and shingle beaches. Its flowers resemble those of snapdragons.

Species information

Category

Ystadegau

Height: up to 8cm

Statws cadwraethol

Introduced, but naturalised species.

Pryd i'w gweld

January to December

Ynghylch

Ivy-leaved toadflax is not a native species to the UK, but is now considered naturalised, having been here for several hundred years. It is a small, perennial herb that is often found growing in cracks in old walls and pavements, in rocky places and even on single beaches; it can form large, low-growing patches.
Its tiny, mauve flowers resemble those of a snapdragon.

Sut i'w hadnabod

The small, green leaves of ivy-leaved toadflax are ivy-like in shape, hence the name. Its tiny flowers resemble a snapdragon and are mauve with white and yellow bulges. It has reddish stems and is a creeping plant.

Dosbarthiad

Widespread.

Habitats

Roeddech chi yn gwybod?

It is thought that ivy-leaved toadflax was introduced before the 17th century as a garden plant; it was first recorded in the wild in 1640.

Sut y gall bobl helpu

Our gardens are a vital resource for wildlife, providing corridors of green space between open countryside, allowing species to move about. In fact, the UK's gardens provide more space for nature than all the National Nature Reserves put together. So why not try planting native plants and trees to entice birds, mammals and invertebrates into your backyard? To find out more about encouraging wildlife into your garden, visit our Wild About Gardens website: a joint initiative with the RHS, there's plenty of facts and tips to get you started.