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Description
Linum Viscosum, also known as Sticky Flax, is a species of flowering plant that belongs to the Linaceae family. It is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, where it grows in rocky or sandy soils. This plant can grow up to 3 feet tall and has thin, spindly stems with small, narrow leaves. The flowers are bright yellow and have five petals, blooming from March to June.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophytes |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Malpighiales |
| Family | Linaceae |
| Genus | Linum |
Appearance
Linum Viscosum is a delicate plant with slender stems that can grow up to 3 feet tall. The leaves are narrow and sparse, measuring about 1 inch long and 1/8 inch wide. The flowers are bright yellow with five petals, each measuring about 1/2 inch long. The fruit is a small, round capsule that splits open when ripe to reveal the seeds.
Care Guide
Linum Viscosum is a low-maintenance plant that can thrive in a variety of conditions. Here are some care tips:
- Water: Water regularly, but make sure the soil doesn’t become waterlogged.
- Fertilization: Fertilize once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
- Soil: This plant prefers well-draining soil with a neutral pH.
- Sunlight: Linum Viscosum thrives in full sun to partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: This plant is hardy in zones 8-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Linum Viscosum is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but it can be susceptible to fungal infections if the soil is too moist. Here are some common issues to watch out for:
- Root rot: This can occur if the soil is too wet for too long.
- Powdery mildew: This fungal infection can occur in humid conditions.
- Spider mites: These tiny pests can cause yellowing leaves and webbing on the plant.
Habitat
Linum Viscosum is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, where it grows in rocky or sandy soils. It can often be found growing in dry washes, rocky slopes, and desert grasslands.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Linum Viscosum a good plant for beginners?
A: Yes, Linum Viscosum is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for.
Q: Can Linum Viscosum be grown in a container?
A: Yes, this plant can be grown in a container as long as it has well-draining soil and is watered regularly.
Q: Does Linum Viscosum attract pollinators?
A: Yes, the bright yellow flowers of Linum Viscosum are attractive to bees and other pollinators.
Q: Can Linum Viscosum be propagated from cuttings?
A: Yes, this plant can be propagated from stem cuttings taken in the spring or summer.
Related Plants
- Linum lewisii
- Linum perenne
- Linum usitatissimum
References
- “Linum Viscosum.” Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, University of Texas at Austin, www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=LIVI.
- “Linum Viscosum.” Plants of the World Online, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:60401256-2.
