How To Order: Quantity options listed represent bulk weights. Examples: 1 = 1 lbs, 25 = 25 bs.
Common Name: Lewis Flax
Scientific Name: Linum lewisii
Native / Introduced: Native
Main Uses:
~Wildlife habitat improvement
~Rangeland
~Rehabilitation projects
~Native wildflower plantings
Height: 1-3 feet
Colors: Blue
Flowering Season: Late Spring into summer
Elevation: 1,000-7,500 ft
Soil Types: Well drained porous soils
Tolerances: Moderate alkali, weak acid and salt
Sun or Shade: Full sun, partial shade
Minimum Precipitation: 16 inches
Lifecycle: Perennial
Planting Seed Rate: 4 lbs/ac
Estimated Seeds Per Pound: 168,000
Optimal Planting Season: Spring/Fall
Planting Depth: 1/8 - 1/4 inches
Stratification Requirements: Dry and cold for 30 days
Description
Lewis Blue Flax is a semi-evergreen forb which is native to the US and blooms in the late spring with an abundance of blue flowers. This short-lived plant prefers full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil. Once established, it is drought-tolerant and are adapted to poor soil conditions. It is important to note that it is intolerant to poor drainage and high-water tables.
Lewis Blue Flax makes palatable forage for livestock and wildlife including sage grouse. This drought-tolerant and cold-hardy wildflower is very valuable for wildlife and range improvement projects, wildfire revegetation, mining, road construction and other soil disturbing activities revegetation and in wildflower mixes for beautification. The blue flowers attract bees and butterflies, making it a great choice for those looking to support local pollinators.
Although Lewis Blue Flax is similar to Perennial Flax (Blue Flax), they are different species and are native to different regions of the world. Additionally, Blue Flax may be more tolerant of a wider range of soil and climatic conditions than Linum lewisii. However, both plants are excellent choices for a wide variety of project needs.
Resources
NRCS Plant Profile: https://plants.usda.gov/home/plantProfile?symbol=LILE3
NRCS Plant Guide: https://plants.usda.gov/DocumentLibrary/plantguide/pdf/pg_lile3.pdf
Additional Resources: https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=lile3
Photo Credit: Debbie Ballentine
