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Blue Flax
Blue Flax botanical plate
Field guide plate · click to zoom

Blue Flax

Linum lewisii
In the United States: Native · also called Prairie flax, Lewis flax, Western blue flax

Honeybees visit blue flax primarily for its high nectar production during the peak bloom from late spring to midsummer, when profuse sky-blue flowers open daily on slender stems. Pollen is available in moderate amounts, supporting foraging colonies without surplus honey flow. This short-lived perennial prefers dry, well-drained soils in full sun, shows good drought tolerance once established, and is typically deer-resistant with no need for staking.

Nectarhigh
Pollenmedium
Bloom (US) May–August
TypePerennial
Sunfull
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