Nuttallanthus

Nuttallanthus is a small genus of flowering plants in the family Plantaginaceae. The genus was first described in 1916 by Per Axel Rydberg. The name commemorates Thomas Nuttall, an English botanist and ornithologist who explored North America in the early 19th century. These plants are native to North America.

The genus currently contains two recognized species: Nuttallanthus canadensis and Nuttallanthus obtusus. Nuttallanthus canadensis, commonly known as Canada toadflax or oldfield toadflax, is found in eastern and central North America. Nuttallanthus obtusus, often called Texas toadflax, is primarily found in the southwestern United States and Mexico.

Nuttallanthus species are typically herbaceous annuals or biennials. They are characterized by slender stems bearing narrow leaves and delicate, tubular flowers. The flowers are usually pink, purple, or white, with a spurred shape. They bloom from spring through summer. These plants often grow in disturbed soils, such as roadsides, fields, and sandy areas. They are not considered to be of significant economic importance but are appreciated for their ornamental value in naturalistic settings.