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Berlandier's flax

Linum berlandieri Hook. var. berlandieri

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Berlandier's flax
Berlandier's flax leaves
Berlandier's flax
Berlandier's flax
Berlandier's flax
Berlandier's flax
Berlandier's flax
Berlandier's flax

Morphology

Stem
Erect, often much-branched above, stiff, leafy, mostly glabrous.
Leaves
Alternate, simple, sessile, linear to linear-lanceolate, 1/2 to 1 inch long, to 1/6 inch wide; margins entire to slightly toothed; tips pointed; mid-stem leaves usually with prominent glands at bases.
Inflorescence
Panicle-like, open, somewhat flat-topped, mostly terminal.
Flower
1 to 2 inches wide; sepals 5, lanceolate, overlapping, conspicuously glandular-toothed; petals 5, yellowish orange, reddish brown veins at bases; stamens 5, anthers yellow; styles 5, united below middle.
Fruit
Capsules, thick, egg-shaped, 5-segmented, each segment 2-seeded; seeds small, flattened, brownish.

Ecology

Habitat
Dry sandy or gravelly prairies.
Distribution
West 1/2 of Kansas.

Additional Notes

Comments

In Kansas, these plants are often less than 6 inches tall. The petals remain only 1-2 days. Jean Louis Berlandier, (1805-1851), for whom the plant was named, was a French botanist who worked in Texas and Mexico.

Special Notes: Closely related to stiffstem flax . Was formerly named Linum rigidum Pursh var. berlandieri (Hook.)
Quick Facts
Plant Type
Wildflower
Family
Linaceae - Flax Family
Life Span
Annual
Height
2-16 inches
Last Updated
2018-02-24
Color Groups
Yellow Wildflowers
Pink, Red & Orange Wildflowers
Flowering Period
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Blooms: April, May, June