Lewis flax

Linum lewisii

Linaceae

• Spokane Native
• Sun
• Size: 2’ tall x 2’ wide
• Drought Tolerant: Yes
• Evergreen: no
• Flower Color: blue to purple flowers (April - September)
• Wildlife Value: Attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators; seeds eaten by birds

Wild Blue Flax is a graceful, delicate-looking perennial that thrives in well-drained, dry, sandy to rocky soils in full sun. Despite its airy appearance, this native is remarkably tough and drought-tolerant once established. The plant forms loose clumps with slender stems that sway beautifully in the breeze, creating an attractive naturalistic effect in the landscape.

The flowers are exquisite five-petaled blooms in shades of sky blue to purple, appearing individually or a few at a time along the stems from spring through early fall. Each delicate flower lasts only a day, but new blooms continue to open in succession throughout the long blooming season. The narrow, blue-green leaves are small and grass-like, creating fine texture in the garden. The entire plant has an elegant, billowy quality that adds movement and lightness to plantings.

Wild Blue Flax provides excellent nectar and pollen for native bees, butterflies, and other pollinators throughout its extended bloom period. The small seeds are consumed by finches and other seed-eating birds. Native Americans used the plant for various purposes, including harvesting the strong fibers from the stems to make cordage, fishing nets, and thread. The seeds were also gathered as a food source.

This beautiful native is perfect for meadow gardens, cottage borders, and naturalistic plantings where it can self-seed freely. It spreads by reseeding and is easy to establish, making it ideal for low-maintenance landscapes. Plant in drifts or sweeps for best effect. Excellent companions include yarrow, penstemon, coneflower, and native grasses such as Blue Grama and Little Bluestem. Wild Blue Flax also pairs beautifully with Blanket Flower, Scarlet Gilia, and other colorful wildflowers.