Toadflax

Linaria canadensis

6×8″ Cochineal insect ink, lilac flower ink, cherry blossom ink, black walnut ink, lichen ink, and pen on paper

As a Smith College Botanic Garden Conservation Intern, I spent a lot of time conducting rare plant surveys and collecting data on native species. While searching for lupine in a large field, I encountered scattered patches of small, purple toadflax. The delicate flower heads, bobbing gently in the wind, caught my eye. Toadflax grows in many places throughout the region, often in disturbed areas like fields, roadsides, and meadows. Toadflax is known for its spurred, snapdragon-like flowers and its ability to adapt to various environments, making it a resilient presence in the landscape.