Linum lewisii
lewis flax
Overview
Linum lewisii is a short-lived perennial wildflower native to western North America, forming airy clumps 12-24 inches (30-60 cm) tall of slender, wiry stems. The narrow, blue-green leaves are 0.5-1 inch (1-2.5 cm) long and scattered along the stems. From late spring into summer the stems carry sky-blue, saucer-shaped flowers about 1-1.5 inches (2.5-4 cm) across, each with five petals and a paler or white center. Individual flowers last only a day, opening in morning and dropping their petals by afternoon, but a steady succession of new buds keeps the plant in bloom for weeks. L. lewisii grows on dry slopes, plains, sagebrush steppe, and open mountain meadows across the western half of the continent. It needs full sun and sharp drainage and is short-lived, often persisting in gardens through self-sown seedlings rather than long-lived crowns. In rich or wet soils it grows soft and fades quickly. It is hardy in USDA zones 3 through 8.
Native Range
Native to western North America, from Alaska and western Canada south through the Rocky Mountains and Great Basin to California, Texas, and northern Mexico. It grows on dry slopes, plains, sagebrush steppe, and open mountain meadows.Suggested Uses
Planted in meadow, rock, native, and low-water gardens, and in wildflower and restoration seed mixes on dry ground. Its airy stems and blue flowers mix well with grasses and other drought-tolerant perennials.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1' - 2'
Width/Spread8" - 1'4"
Reaches mature size in approximately 2 years
Bloom Information
Sky-blue flowers open from late spring into summer, generally May through July. Each flower lasts only one day, opening in the morning and shedding its petals by afternoon, but new buds keep the display going for several weeks. Bees and other pollinators visit the open flowers, and round seed capsules follow.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
Blue-greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-10 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
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grow L. lewisii in full sun and lean, fast-draining soil; it tolerates sand, gravel, and rocky ground and resists drought once rooted. Sow seed directly in fall or early spring, since the plant transplants poorly and self-sows where soil is open. Water sparingly, as rich, moist soil produces weak growth and a shorter life. Allow some plants to set and drop seed so the stand renews itself over the years. It needs no fertilizer and little care beyond cutting back spent stems. Crowns are short-lived, so seedlings carry the planting forward.Pruning
No detailed pruning is required. Shear the plant back lightly after the first flush to tidy it and prompt more bloom. Leave some stems to ripen seed for self-sowing before cutting them down in fall.Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 1 gallons