Blue flax (Linum perenne ssp. lewisii) is a flowering herbaceous perennial in the Linaceae family.

• Flax grows up to 0.3 to 0.8 m,  from a woody base and branching slender stems,
• The leaves are narrow land lanceolate in shape.
• Small blue saucer-shaped flowers bloom in the morning, but the petals (5) are dropped in the afternoon sun.
• Photos by the author.    Click an image for a lightbox (larger) view.

flax

flax

flax

• After flowering capsules form and flat seeds develop.
• Flax is adaptable to dry conditions and is cold-hardy.
• We typically spot blue flax is drier areas, in the grasslands, or open glades.
• Blue flax makes a good addition to the home garden.   It is not invasive and requires no maintenance.