About Chaenorhinum minus (L.) Lange
Chaenorhinum minus (L.) Lange can be distinguished from many other toadflax species by its alternate, singly arranged leaves. Its leaves and sepals are covered in glandular hairs. The leaves are glaucous, while the sepals may be green or purple. Flowers of this species range in color from pale purple to white. It is an annual herb that grows to a maximum height of 25 cm (9.8 in), and it does not spread via vegetative growth. Its flowering period runs from June to July. This small plant depends on habitat disturbance to compete with other plants for access to light. It was once a common weed in agricultural fields, but populations have declined due to agricultural intensification. Today it is found primarily in gardens, around railways, and also along roadsides and at industrial sites. In the United Kingdom, its distribution shows that it favors chalky soil. The species is native to continental Europe, occurring mainly in southern and central Europe, and extends north as far as Sweden. It holds archaeophyte status in the United Kingdom, meaning it is thought to have been introduced to the region many centuries ago. It has also been introduced to the United States and Canada.
