Linum lewisii (Prairie flax)

Cultivation

Grow in dry, poor to moderately fertile, well-drained in full sun or partial shade. Will grow in moist but well-drained soil. Tends to self-seed readily in ideal growing conditions. Tolerates drought, heat, and cold. Will not tolerate heavy clay, flooding, or waterlogged conditions. Where native, grows at elevations as high as 3,600m (12,000'). In its native habitat, it's a major food source for mammals and birds.

Suggested uses

Gravel, Rock, Beds and borders, Mediterranean, Cottage/Informal, Drought Tolerant, Low Maintenance, Bees (attract & feed bees), Containers/Patio, Prairie planting, Meadow

UK hardiness

H7

USDA zones

Zone 3, Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9

Sunset zone

7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 12, A1, A2, A3

WUCOLS

North-Central Coastal = Low
Central Valley = Low
South Coastal = Very Low
South Inland = Low
High and Intermediate Desert = Low
Low Desert = Low

Foliage

Semi-evergreen

Habit

Upright, Clump-forming, Arching

Native to

Northern Mexico, Central North America, Western North America

Drought tolerant

Yes

Flood tolerant

No

Toxicity

Reportedly toxic to domestic sheep, goats, and cattle.