Stiff-stem Flax
Linum rigidum
Last reviewed: August 2026
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 437 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
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.
Ready to grow Stiff-stem 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