I've loved this little wildflower, ivy-leaved toadflax (Cymbalaria muralis), for many years. I feel like it's following me around. This enchanting trailing wildflower was first introduced into UK gardens in the 17th century, and along its journey it has colonised not only the exterior of old garden walls, but found its way into the lower wall areas of old glasshouses; and yet, can also be described as an escapee of glasshouses! 

This delicate but incredible wildflower is a member of the Plantaginaceae family, native to the rocky habitats of Southern Europe and since naturalised in many temperate locations, including the UK. It's not classified as a top-tier invasive species. 

Where does ivy-leaved toadflax grow? 

You'll spot ivy-leaved toadflax in numerous locations around the UK, and especially near to human habitation. It also thrives in mortar cracks, pavements, shingle beaches, rock gardens, dry stony urban areas, gravel, and sandy banks.

This wildflower has the ability to flower all year in mild winters and sheltered locations, preferring partial shade on north facing walls. Being a rapid spreader, it can keep growing from fragments of stems and is also ground creeping. This is an advantage when covering old stumps left in the garden, as this makes for an interesting feature!

How to identify ivy-leaved toadflax

The tiny, delicate purple-lilac flowers resemble snapdragon flowers, comprising a short spur, with yellow and white in the centre. They are borne from April to October, with the peak flowering period from May to September.

What are the benefits of ivy-leaved toadflax for wildlife?

This is a great plant to enjoy for its wildlife benefits, providing a long-lasting source of nectar for pollinators. A dense mat of cover formed by this wildflower also provides a haven for many garden invertebrates, and dare I say it, slugs too! But they play a positive role in recycling nutrients in the soil. Spiders, woodlice and beetles are among the many insects that can be found lurking within the miniature canopy of the delicate foliage and flowers. 

It's a wonderful thing to know also that as the ivy-leaved toadflax colonises walls, it gives a home to wall-nesting solitary bee species. These bees nest in gaps in the walls and crevices that the wildflower colonises. 

Various caterpillars can also be found feeding on this wildflower as the larvae’s food plant. Moth species including the toadflax brocade (Calophasia lunula), mainly seen in the south-east of the UK, and the barred carpet moth (Martania taeniata) are associated with this wonderful plant. 

Enjoy your walks out this summer, and keep your eyes peeled for this impressive and delightful addition to our urban and rural spaces!