Our mystery seeds from last week came from blue flax, Linum lewisii.
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.
The short stems contain strong, flexible fibers like those of the common flax, Â Linum usitatissimum, originally from Europe. Common flax is a source of flax seeds and oil as well.
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?
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