Meadow flax facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Meadow flax |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Linum
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| Species: |
pratense
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Meadow flax (scientific name: Linum pratense) is a beautiful flowering plant that belongs to the flax family, known as Linaceae. You can find this plant growing naturally in the south-central and southwestern parts of the United States. It loves to grow in dry, open areas like prairies, especially where the soil is chalky or sandy. It can grow well in places that haven't been touched by humans, as well as in areas that have been disturbed a bit.
What is Meadow Flax?
Meadow flax is a slender plant that grows straight up. It's an annual plant, which means it completes its whole life cycle, from seed to flower to seed, within one year. It blooms in the spring and early summer, showing off its pretty pale blue flowers.
How to Spot Meadow Flax
This plant looks a lot like another type of flax called Linum lewisii. Sometimes, where their growing areas meet, they can even mix together! But there are ways to tell them apart:
- Meadow flax is an annual plant, meaning it lives for only one growing season.
- It has shorter "styles" (which are parts of the flower's reproductive system).
- Its seed capsules have tips that are rounded or blunt (called "obtuse").
In contrast, Linum lewisii is a perennial plant, meaning it lives for more than two years. It also has longer styles and pointed seed capsule tips (called "acute").
