About Linum lewisii Pursh
Linum lewisii Pursh is a slender herbaceous plant that grows up to 80 centimetres (31+1⁄2 inches) tall. It has spirally arranged, narrow lanceolate leaves that are 1–3 cm (1⁄2–1+1⁄4 in) long. Its flowers are pale blue, lavender, or white, often marked with darker blue veining. Each flower has five petals 1–1.5 cm long, and styles of varying lengths. The flowers open in the morning, then fade and drop their petals by noon on hot, sunny days. This species is native to western North America, ranging from Alaska south to Baja California, and from the Pacific Coast east to the Mississippi River. It grows on ridges and dry slopes, from sea level in the northern part of its range up to 11,000 feet (3,400 metres) in the Sierra Nevada. In cultivation, this blue flax is a durable wildflower suited to garden conditions, and it never becomes overly aggressive toward other plants. It is easily grown from seed, grows well in lean soils with little organic matter, and stays healthier in well-drained soils.
