prairie flax
Linum lewisii
USDA zones3 to 9
SunHandles full sun to partial shade
WaterHandles dry to moderate soil
Size2 to 3 feet tall12 to 24 inches wide
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Habit
- Subshrub
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer, autumn
- Bloom color
- Blue , purple
- Foliage color
- Green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay, chalk
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Prairie flax (Linum lewisii) is a perennial for borders, pollinator gardens, meadows, and cottage gardens. It is hardy to USDA zone 3, or down to -40°F (-40°C). This plant likes full sun to part shade and dry to average soil of most types. The pale blue flowers open from the bottom of each stem upward. It is not a favorite of deer, though hungry deer will eat almost anything. It is short-lived but often self-sows.
Pairs well with So White gaura, Silver feather grass, White evening primrose, and California poppy.
Native range
AK, AR, AZ, CA, and 21 more places. See all 25
AK, AR, AZ, CA, CO, ID, KS, LA, MI, MN, MT, ND, NE, NM, NV, OK, OR, SD, TX, UT, WA, WV, WY; AB, MB, and SK.