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Stiff-stem Flax

Linum rigidum

Last reviewed: September 2026

Stiff-stem Flax (Linum rigidum)
Photo: (c) Sam Kieschnick, some rights reserved (CC BY)

Toxicity unknown

Stiff-stem Flax (Linum rigidum) 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

6"–24" H × 6"–12" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

AR, CO, IA, IL and 12 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles

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.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Northwestern Forested MountainsSouthern RockiesArizona/New Mexico MountainsChihuahuan DesertsHigh PlainsSouthwestern TablelandsCentral Great PlainsCross TimbersEdwards PlateauSouthern Texas PlainsTexas Blackland PrairiesEast Central Texas PlainsWestern Gulf Coastal PlainSouth Central PlainsCentral Irregular PlainsNorthwestern Glaciated PlainsNorthwestern Great PlainsGreat PlainsNorthern Glaciated PlainsWestern Corn Belt PlainsNorth Central Hardwood Forests

Stiff-stem flax is a compact native wildflower that produces cheerful yellow blooms from May through July. This drought-tolerant perennial forms neat clumps with slender stems and narrow leaves, making it well-suited for sunny, dry locations.

In an HOA neighborhood

Stiff-stem Flax 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 as annual, leaving gaps in landscape
  • May be perceived as temporary or weedy
  • Short blooming period followed by seed dispersal phase

Wildlife value

The bright yellow flowers attract native bees and beneficial beetles during the long blooming season. Seeds provide food for finches and other small birds in late summer.

Common questions

How much sun does Stiff-stem Flax need?
Stiff-stem Flax grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Stiff-stem Flax bloom?
Stiff-stem Flax blooms in May, June, and July.
Where is Stiff-stem Flax native?
Stiff-stem Flax (Linum rigidum) is native to AR, CO, IA, IL and 12 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Stiff-stem Flax attract?
Stiff-stem Flax draws bees and beetles.
Is Stiff-stem Flax HOA-friendly?
Stiff-stem 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 World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). 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 Stiff-stem Flax? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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