Grooved flax
Linum sulcatum Riddell
Images
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Morphology
- Stem
- Erect, branched above middle, rigid, pale green, glabrous, longitudinally grooved.
- Leaves
- Alternate, simple, sessile, linear to narrowly lanceolate, 1/2 to 1 inch long, less than 1/8 inch wide, glabrous, small glands usually at bases; margins entire; tips sharp-pointed; upper leaves reduced.
- Inflorescence
- Panicles, terminal.
- Flower
- About 1/2 inch wide; sepals 5, lanceolate; margins glandular-toothed; tips pointed; petals 5, less than 1/2 inch long, pale yellow, pubescent inside at bases; stamens 5.
- Fruit
- Capsules, spherical to egg-shaped, 10-segmented; seeds 1 per segment, small, elliptic, reddish brown.
Ecology
- Habitat
- Dry sandy soils of prairies and open woodlands.
- Distribution
- East 4/5 of Kansas.
Practical Information
- Toxicity
- All parts of flax can be toxic, but the leaves and seeds are especially so. Sheep are particularly susceptible.
Additional Notes
Comments
The petals often last only a day, and even a slight disturbance can sometimes cause them to fall. A single plant will usually produce only 1-2 flowers a day.
Quick Facts
- Plant Type
- Wildflower
- Family
- Linaceae - Flax Family
- Life Span
- Annual
- Height
- 10-32 inches
- Last Updated
- 2021-02-20
Color Groups
Yellow Wildflowers
Flowering Period
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Blooms: May, June, July