flax seed plant leaves Blue Flax – Native Gardeners

flax seed plant leaves Blue Flax – Native GardenersLinum lewisii Blue Flax is truly one of the most lovely all blue flowering plants, showcasing narrow blue green leaves on elegant 2' tall stems. This delightful native wildflower treats us to wonderful displays of tiny, satiny, sky blue or lavender to white flowers every morning from early to late summer. It's incredibly easy to grow and establishes quickly, bursting with blooms starting its second year. With expanding clumps of stalks, it features

Linum lewisii  

Blue Flax is truly one of the most lovely all-blue flowering plants, showcasing narrow blue-green leaves on elegant 2' tall stems. This delightful native wildflower treats us to wonderful displays of tiny, satiny, sky-blue or lavender-to-white flowers every morning from early to late summer. 

It's incredibly easy to grow and establishes quickly, bursting with blooms starting its second year. With expanding clumps of stalks, it features flowers that range from 1/2 to 1 inch wide, creating a continuous flow of colors that last a day, while fresh blossoms greet us each morning. Darker blue veins often beautifully accentuate the delicate petals.

In organic agriculture, blue flax plays a vital role by attracting and increasing beneficial insect diversity. It also enriches nutrients back into the topsoil and the shallow root zone.

This adaptable gem is tolerant of drought, heat, and even cold weather. It’s named "lewisii" to honor the explorer Meriwether Lewis from the famous Lewis & Clark expedition, as it was spotted during their journey across the plains. Native to western North America, you can find it from Alaska all the way down to Baja California and along the Pacific Coast, extending east to the Mississippi River.

It also attracts smaller bees, including solitary bees, and many butterfly species, while its seeds and capsules provide a tasty snack for birds in the fall and winter. Plus, its robust root systems help stabilize the soil, reduce erosion, and enhance the ground by mobilizing phosphorus and adding organic matter—giving us a source for flax fiber, flaxseed, and linseed oil.

Also commonly known as Wild Blue Flax, Prairie Flax, and Lewis Flax.

BONAP MAP

Height: 2’-3'
Spread: 1’-2' 
Bloom:  May-September
Light: Full Sun-Part Sun
Water: Low
Zone:  3-9
Origin: Texas, central and western North America