Northwestern yellowflax facts for kids

Sclerolinon digynum is a type of flowering plant in the flax family. It's the only species in its group, called Sclerolinon. This plant is also known by its common name, northwestern yellowflax.

About the Northwestern Yellowflax

This plant grows naturally in the western United States. You can find it in Washington and Idaho, stretching down to central California. Sadly, it might have disappeared from Idaho.

It likes to grow in wet places that dry out sometimes. These include mountain meadows and special ponds called vernal pools.

What it Looks Like

The northwestern yellowflax is a small plant that lives for only one year. It has a smooth, straight stem that can grow up to 20 centimeters (about 8 inches) tall.

Its leaves are oval-shaped. The ones higher up on the stem have tiny saw-like edges. They grow in pairs directly opposite each other on the stem, pointing upwards instead of spreading out.

Flowers and How They Grow

The flowers of Sclerolinon digynum grow in a cluster called a cyme. These clusters are surrounded by special leaf-like parts called bracts, which also have saw-like edges.

Each flower has five bright yellow petals. Underneath the petals, there are small, green, leaf-like parts called sepals, which are also toothed.