Wild Blue Flax: The 42nd Flower of Spring!

I found this darling Wild Blue Flax blossom peeking out from a tuft of grass out in our front lawn area and I was so delighted because I didn't realize they grew this early in the season. I have seen them from June to August, but apparently they begin blooming in April! These delicate beauties are one of my favorites, growing on their long, slender stems.

Wild Blue Flax is also known as Prairie Flax, Western Blue Flax, or just Blue Flax for short, is found west of the Mississippi. Its proper name, Linum Lewisii, comes from Meriwether Lewis of the Lewis & Clark Expedition! Blue Flax grows about 2 feet tall in dry meadows and ridge tops, from sea level to 3000 feet. These small flowers measure about 1/2" in diameter when open, and are pale blue or lavender in color, though apparently they can be white as well. These delicately striped flowers last just one day!

If you would like to know more about Wild Blue Flax, Wiki has a great page here: Wiki: Wild Blue Flax (Linum lewisii)