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.

Harkness' Flaxflower

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Leptosiphon harknessii

Last reviewed: September 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 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Northwestern Forested Mountains Sierra Nevada North American Deserts Central Basin and Range

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.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

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

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