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Description
Linum Rupestre, also known as Rock Flax or Rocky Mountain Flax, is a small, perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the Linaceae family. It is native to the western regions of North America and is found growing in rocky terrains, open woodlands, and meadows at elevations ranging from 1500 to 3500 meters.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Malpighiales |
| Family | Linaceae |
| Genus | Linum |
Appearance
The Linum Rupestre grows up to a height of 30 cm and has a spread of 20 cm. It has a woody base with branching stems and narrow leaves that are less than 2 cm long. The flowers of this plant are bright yellow, saucer-shaped, and have five petals that are about 1 cm long. They bloom from June to August and are followed by small, round, brownish-black seed pods.
Care Guide
The Linum Rupestre prefers well-drained soil and requires moderate watering. It can tolerate partial shade but grows best in full sun. It can withstand cold temperatures and is hardy in USDA zones 4 to 8. Fertilize the plant once a year with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer. To encourage bushier growth, prune the plant back after flowering.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Linum Rupestre is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it may be susceptible to fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and rust in humid conditions. Insect pests such as aphids and spider mites may infest the plant, but they can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Habitat
The Linum Rupestre is found growing in rocky terrains, open woodlands, and meadows in the western regions of North America. It is commonly found in the Rocky Mountains and the Sierra Nevada.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Linum Rupestre a good plant for rock gardens?
A: Yes, it is an excellent plant for rock gardens as it thrives in rocky terrains.
Q: Can Linum Rupestre be grown in containers?
A: Yes, it can be grown in containers as long as the soil is well-drained and the container is placed in a sunny location.
Q: How often should Linum Rupestre be watered?
A: It should be watered moderately, about once a week or when the soil feels dry to the touch.
Q: Does Linum Rupestre attract bees and butterflies?
A: Yes, its bright yellow flowers attract bees and butterflies.
Related Plants
- Linum lewisii
- Linum perenne
- Linum grandiflorum
- Linum usitatissimum
References
- https://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/plant-of-the-week/linum_rupestre.shtml
- https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/rock-flax/growing-linum-rock-flax.htm
- https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=LIRU
