Our mystery seeds from last week came from blue flax, Linum lewisii.

really-nice-blue-flax

Blue flax is a small perennial wildflower that is native to the western part of North America. A fascinating article from Montana State Parks discusses how the plant was first collected during the Lewis and Clark expedition, and the species is named for Meriwether Lewis.

blue-flax-leaves

The short stems contain strong, flexible fibers like those of the common flax,  Linum usitatissimum, originally from Europe. Common flax is a source of flax seeds and oil as well.

blue-flax-flower-and-leaf

When grown as a wildflower, blue flax produces seeds in roundish seed capsules. In many areas it will readily self-seed and spread.

Have you grown blue fax or common flax?