Flaigg, Norman G.
Linum rigidum Pursh
Stiffstem flax, Large-flower yellow flax, Yellow flax
Linaceae (Flax Family)
Yellow flax is common on the prairies of the Southwest. It is usually 8–18 inches tall, depending on growing conditions. It has a single blossom, 1–1 1/2 inches across, on each of its few branches. Leaves are
alternate, narrow, and 1/3 inch long. The 5 yellow petals have deep red centers from which grow the 5
stamens with yellow anthers. Each plant bears many flowers but usually only a few each day.
Image Gallery:
27 photo(s) available
Plant Characteristics
Duration: Annual Habit: Herb Flower:
Fruit: Size Class: 1-3 ft.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: Orange , Yellow
Bloom Time: May , Jun , Jul
Distribution
USA: AR , CO , IL , IA , KS , MN , MO , MT , NE , NM , ND , OK , SD , TX , WI , WY
Canada: SK Native Distribution: W. MN & Man. to Alt., s. to n. Mex.
Native Habitat: Upland prairies
USDA Native Status: L48(N), CAN(N) Growing Conditions
Water Use: Low
Light Requirement: Sun
Soil Moisture: Dry
Soil Description: Sandy or gravelly soils.
Conditions Comments: Plant displays 2 or 3 open blooms at a time, eventually producing up to a dozen flowers. Found on sandy and light soils in grassland habitat. Height variable from 6 to just over 12, spread from 4 to 10.
Benefit
Warning: Animals have been poisoned, sometimes fatally, by eating plants in the Linum genus. Humans should generally avoid ingesting plants that are toxic to animals.
Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Interesting Foliage: yes
Deer Resistant: Minimal
Last Update: 2009-04-18
