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Bellardia, Genus, trixago, Species,
- Genus & species
Mediterranean lineseed
Overview
Bellardia trixago is an erect annual herb 8-28 inches (20-70 cm) tall, growing on a stout, mostly unbranched stem that is glandular and somewhat sticky. The leaves are lance-shaped, 1-3 inches (2.5-7.5 cm) long, opposite, toothed, and stalkless. Two-lipped flowers about 0.75-1 inch (2-2.5 cm) long are packed into a dense, cone-like terminal spike, with a white to pink upper lip and a broad yellow lower lip; color varies from nearly all white to pink-and-yellow forms. Flowering occurs in spring. The flowers give way to capsules holding many small seeds. Like others in its family, it is a root hemiparasite, attaching to the roots of grasses and other plants while keeping its own green leaves. It germinates with winter rains, flowers in spring, and dies by early summer. Native to the Mediterranean, it has naturalized in grasslands, roadsides, and disturbed open ground in several regions and can spread by abundant seed.
Native Range
Native to the Mediterranean region of southern Europe, North Africa, and western Asia. Widely naturalized in California, southern South America, Australia, and other areas with Mediterranean climates, where it grows in grasslands, roadsides, and disturbed ground.Suggested Uses
Rarely planted, as it is a hemiparasitic annual that appears spontaneously in grasslands and disturbed ground. It has little ornamental use and is managed as a weed in some regions. Where present, it grows among grasses on seasonally moist soils.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height8" - 2'4"
Width/Spread4" - 10"
Bloom Information
Flowers open in spring, roughly March through May depending on region and rainfall. Bloom lasts several weeks before the plant sets seed and dies. Flowering depends on winter and spring moisture and on host plants.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
White to pink with yellowFoliage Description
GreenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Water & Climate
Water Needs
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grows in full sun on seasonally moist soils among grasses and other host plants, whose roots it taps for water and nutrients. As a hemiparasitic annual it is rarely cultivated and usually appears on its own in suitable ground. It needs spring moisture and dies as soils dry in early summer. The plant spreads by abundant seed and is treated as a weed in some grasslands and pastures. Plants are pulled or mown before seed set where control is wanted. Few pests affect it.Pruning
No pruning is practiced. Where unwanted, plants are pulled or cut before seed matures to limit spread. Otherwise they die and dry on their own after seeding.Toxicity: Not assessed
UnknownPlanting Guide
Planting Methods & Timing
Planting Method
direct sow
