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Grooved Flax

Linum sulcatum

Last reviewed: June 2026

Grooved Flax (Linum sulcatum)
Photo: Joshua Mayer / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

8"–24" H × 4"–12" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

AL, AR, CT, FL and 30 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Grooved flax is a compact annual wildflower that produces delicate blue flowers throughout the summer months. This low-water native grows in neat clumps and maintains a tidy appearance in sunny garden beds.

In an HOA neighborhood

Grooved Flax takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

  • Annual nature means it dies back completely each year
  • Can appear sparse or weedy compared to traditional landscaping
  • Small size may look unkempt in formal front yard settings

Wildlife value

The flowers attract native bees and beetles during its long blooming period from June through August.

Common questions

How much sun does Grooved Flax need?
Grooved Flax grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Grooved Flax bloom?
Grooved Flax blooms in June, July, and August.
Where is Grooved Flax native?
Grooved Flax (Linum sulcatum) is native to AL, AR, CT, FL and 30 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Grooved Flax attract?
Grooved Flax draws bees and beetles.
Is Grooved Flax HOA-friendly?
Grooved Flax takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Grooved Flax? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz