Taxon

Linum perenne

 
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Linum perenne - perennial flax, blue flax
Image: Cristina Salvador
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Common name: perennial flax, blue flax
Family: Linaceae (Flax)
Distribution: Europe
Habitat: Montane, cultivated
Hardiness: USDA Zone 4 (-30 to -20 °F)
Life form: Herbaceous perennial
Occurrence in New Mexico: Exotic
Growing Conditions: Perennial flax was introduced as an ornamental plant to the United States from Europe. It is most known in the European Alps, but has naturalized in many parts of the world. It grows in full sun to part shade and prefers a medium amount of water. In its native range, it usually grows in shallow, rocky soils, but is often found in sandy soil along roadsides in its naturalized range. It tends to be short-lived, particularly in heavy clay soils, but self-seeds readily. It is easily established in the garden from seeds sown directly outdoors or indoors in pots 6-8 weeks prior to the last frost. The seeds need light to germinate and should be planted ⅛ inch deep. Avoid disturbing the roots when transplanting. Plants can be cut back ½ to extend bloom period. Perennial flax is often planted in perennial borders and herb gardens as well as in natural meadows.
Description: Perennial flax grows 1-3 feet tall, with clustered, usually unbranched, stems. Numerous small linear or lance-shaped leaves grow upright from the stems. Flowers, with 5 blue petals, are scattered in leafy, much branched panicles. Stigmas are capitate (have caps). Perennial flax has sometimes been mistaken for our native species L. lewisii; the significant difference between the two appears to be that L. lewisii is homostylic with long stamens, whereas L. perenne is heterostylic (styles are either much shorter than or up to 2X as long as the stamens). It also resembles the annual Linum usitatissumum, which has a single stem, sepals with long pointed tips, toothed inner sepals with fringed hairs along the margins, and leaves with three veins.
Links: Germplasm Resources Information Network (GRIN-Taxonomy) • NatureServe Explorer • SEINet • USDA PLANTS Database

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