Wild Blue Flax

Scientific name

Linum lewisii

Description

The Wild Blue Flax is a perennial wildflower species that can grow up to 0.5 m in height. This plant may also be known by the common names: Prairie Flax or Lewis Flax. The leaves are alternately arranged, narrow and lance shaped, have entire margins, and are larger at the base of the stem. The flowers are pale purple to dark blue in colour (occasionally white), have five rounded petals, are drooping, appear at the ends of erect stems, and bloom between June and July. The flowers are attractive to pollinator species, like butterflies and bees. This plant spreads well and may be considered aggressive so should be planted in areas where it can expand and when high growth is desired. This plant is hardy, grows easily, and can be useful for re-vegetating steep, eroded slopes.

Planting conditions

Wild Blue Flax grows best in dry to normal conditions with full sun exposure. It prefers well-drained sandy or loam soil types. It is drought tolerant but young plants should be watered occasionally until established. It is also tolerant of some shade, infertile soil, and cold winters. This wildflower can be naturally found in dry meadows, open forests, prairies, and sandy hills.

Details

• Plant height:
  • Max 1.5m
  • Max 2m
  • Max 3m
  • Any
• Moisture level:
  • Dry
  • Normal
  • Drought Tolerant
• Light conditions:
  • Full sun
  • Partial sun
• Soil type:
  • Sandy
  • Loamy
  • Rocky
• pH:
  • Normal
• Depth:
  • Wildflower
• Eco Zone:
  • 2a
  • 2b
  • 3a
  • 3b
  • 4a
  • 4b
• Plant type:
  • Wildflower
• Height:
  • 0.5 m
• Spread:
  • 2 m