Contents
Description
Linum Hypericifolium, commonly known as St. John’s Flax or Rose of Montana, is a perennial plant that belongs to the Linaceae family. It is native to North America, particularly in the Western United States, where it thrives in open woods, meadows, and slopes. It has narrow, lance-shaped leaves, and its flowers are usually yellow, but can also be pink or white.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Malpighiales |
| Family | Linaceae |
| Genus | Linum |
Appearance
St. John’s Flax grows up to 1-2 feet in height and 1-2 feet in width. Its leaves are 1-2 inches long and 0.1-0.2 inches wide, with a pointed tip and a smooth edge. Its flowers bloom from May to August and have five petals that are 0.2-0.4 inches long. The flowers are usually yellow, but can also be pink or white, and are 1-2 inches in diameter. The plant’s fruit is a round capsule that contains many small, shiny seeds.
Care Guide
St. John’s Flax is relatively easy to care for, as it is a hardy plant that can tolerate different soil conditions and temperatures. Here are some tips on how to care for this plant:Water: Water the plant deeply once a week, or more often during dry weather.Fertilization: Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.Soil: St. John’s Flax prefers well-drained soil that is slightly acidic. It can also tolerate alkaline soil.Sunlight: This plant prefers full sun to partial shade.Hardiness Zones: St. John’s Flax can grow in USDA Hardiness Zones 4 to 10.
Common Pests & Diseases
St. John’s Flax is generally a healthy plant, but it can be susceptible to some pests and diseases. Here are some of the most common ones:Pests: Aphids, spider mites, and cutworms can attack St. John’s Flax. To control these pests, spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.Diseases: Powdery mildew and root rot are the most common diseases that affect this plant. To prevent these diseases, avoid overwatering the plant and ensure good air circulation around it.
Habitat
St. John’s Flax is native to North America, particularly in the Western United States. It grows in open woods, meadows, and slopes, and can also be found in disturbed areas such as roadsides and fields.
Question and Answer
Q: Is St. John’s Flax a good plant for beginners?
A: Yes, St. John’s Flax is a hardy plant that is easy to care for, making it a good choice for beginners.Q: Can St. John’s Flax grow in shade?
A: Yes, St. John’s Flax can grow in partial shade, but it prefers full sun.Q: How often should I fertilize St. John’s Flax?
A: Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.Q: What are some common pests that attack St. John’s Flax?
A: Aphids, spider mites, and cutworms are some of the most common pests that attack St. John’s Flax.
Related Plants
Here are some plants that are related to St. John’s Flax:- Linum lewisii (Blue Flax)- Linum perenne (Perennial Flax)- Linum usitatissimum (Common Flax)- Linum bienne (Pale Flax)- Linum narbonense (Narbonne Flax)
References
– Flora of North America. (n.d.). Linum hypericifolium. Retrieved October 17, 2021, from https://plants.sc.egov.usda.gov/home/plantProfile?symbol=LIHY- Missouri Botanical Garden. (n.d.). Linum hypericifolium. Retrieved October 17, 2021, from https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=m820
