It is highly attractive to native species of pollinating moths and its seeds are sought by finches, sparrows and other songbirds. From the Flax family, this perennial has delicate blue flowers which bloom from March to September. It flourishes in prairies, plains and meadows and grows to two feet tall. Native American tribes used it to make rope - some Pacific Northwest groups used it in snowshoes and fishnets. Botanists recognize prairie flax as a distinct, robust subspecies of a wildflower which also grows in Europe.
Songbirds relish and seek the small seeds.
This annual requires a sunny position and established plants are drought resistant. It grows from 1.5-3 feet tall and blooms within two months of planting. It is a good bee plant. Blooms are bright yellow rays with brownish-red base. All rights reserved.