Vigorous perennial of the Plantaginaceae family, native to the Balkans and the Dalmatian coast, naturalized in various regions of Central Europe and introduced in North America where it has become invasive. It occupies rocky slopes, dry rockeries, roadsides, and open garrigues, in full light, on well-drained substrates, preferably calcareous.
It forms upright bushy clumps 40 to 60 cm, with robust stems bearing broadly oval to oval-lanceolate, glaucous leaves, clasping the stem — an immediate distinctive feature that sets it apart from the common toadflax. The flowers are large for the genus, a warm golden yellow to yellow-orange, with well-opened lips and a long, curved spur. They are arranged in loose clusters along slender stems, giving the plant an airy lightness that contrasts with the overall robustness of its habit.
In its natural habitat, its flowering extends from June to August. In cultivation, it can start as early as May and continue until September.
It is easily cultivated in full sun, in any well-drained soil, even poor and stony. Hardy and drought-resistant, it self-seeds abundantly and can become expansive: to be monitored in small spaces. Suitable for large rockeries, slopes, and characterful dry gardens.