About Linum pratense (Norton) Small
Linum pratense, commonly known as meadow flax, is a flowering plant species belonging to the flax family, Linaceae. It is native to the United States, occurring specifically in the country's south-central and southwestern regions. Its natural habitat is dry, open prairies growing on calcareous or sandy soil, and it can grow in both intact and disturbed plant communities. Linum pratense is a slender, erect annual plant. It blooms from spring into early summer, bearing pale blue flowers. This species is very similar in appearance to Linum lewisii, and the two are known to intergrade in regions where their ranges overlap. Linum pratense can be told apart from Linum lewisii by its annual growth habit, shorter styles, and obtuse capsule tips. In comparison, Linum lewisii is a perennial with longer styles and acute capsule tips.
