Harkness' Flaxflower
Leptosiphon harknessii
Last reviewed: August 2026
Toxicity unknown
Harkness' Flaxflower (Leptosiphon harknessii) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
2"–12" H × 2"–8" W
Bloom
Apr, May, Jun
Native to
CA, ID, NV, OR and 2 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 445 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaBrowse plants for this ecoregion
Harkness's flax is a delicate annual wildflower that produces small, colorful blooms from April through June. This compact plant stays low to the ground with a tidy growth habit and requires minimal water once established.
In an HOA neighborhood
Harkness' Flaxflower takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: moderate. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Dies back completely after blooming
- May appear sparse or patchy
- Annual nature creates inconsistent coverage
Wildlife value
The flowers attract native bees and butterflies during the spring blooming period. As an annual, it provides seasonal nectar sources for pollinators.
Common questions
- How much sun does Harkness' Flaxflower need?
- Harkness' Flaxflower grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Harkness' Flaxflower bloom?
- Harkness' Flaxflower blooms in April, May, and June.
- Where is Harkness' Flaxflower native?
- Harkness' Flaxflower (Leptosiphon harknessii) is native to CA, ID, NV, OR and 2 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- What pollinators does Harkness' Flaxflower attract?
- Harkness' Flaxflower draws bees and butterflies.
- Is Harkness' Flaxflower HOA-friendly?
- Harkness' Flaxflower 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 vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Harkness' Flaxflower? 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