Overview
Linum catharticum, fairy flax or purging flax, is a slender annual or winter annual in the flax family, standing just 2-10 inches (5-25 cm) tall on thread-thin, wiry stems that fork toward the top. The small opposite leaves are narrow and blunt, 0.2-0.5 inch (4-12 mm) long, in widely spaced pairs along the lower stem. The branched stem tips carry many tiny five-petaled white flowers about 0.2 inch (4-6 mm) across, each held on a slender stalk and nodding in bud. The flowers open in sunshine and have yellow-green centers. Despite the common name flax, the plant is far smaller than cultivated flax and yields no fiber. After flowering it sets round seed capsules and dies. The whole plant contains bitter compounds with a laxative effect, the source of the name purging flax. It grows on short, open turf of chalk and limestone grassland, dunes, heaths, and moors, on poor, well-drained soils. Native to Europe, North Africa, and western Asia, it is a characteristic plant of unimproved grassland.
Native Range
Native to Europe, North Africa, and western Asia. It grows in short, open grassland on chalk and limestone, as well as dunes, heaths, moors, and flushes, on poor, well-drained soils. It is associated with unimproved, species-rich turf.Suggested Uses
Used in chalk and limestone grassland restoration and species-rich wildflower meadows on thin soils. It is too small for borders and is grown mainly for conservation and naturalistic meadow planting.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height2" - 10"
Width/Spread1" - 4"
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Water & Climate
Water Needs
Drought Tolerance
Drought tolerant when established