No images found for this plant ID: 21177.

Ensure images are uploaded to the Media Library and tagged with "21177" in the "plant_image_tag" taxonomy.

Safe for Children?

Safe for Dogs?

Safe for Cats?

Safe for Reptiles?

Lake County dwarf-flax

Scientific Name: Hesperolinon didymocarpum

Family: Linaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Annual

Other Names: CA (Lake County western flax)

       

Hesperolinon: The Dwarf-Flaxes and Western Flaxes

Hesperolinon is a genus within the family Linaceae, encompassing plants commonly known as dwarf-flax or western flax.

Considerations for Pets

  • Some Hesperolinon species are referred to as "threadstem flax" which could imply thin, easily broken stems.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Genus: Hesperolinon
  • Family: Linaceae
  • Common Names: Dwarf-flax, western flax
  • Species Examples:
    • Hesperolinon adenophyllum (glandular dwarf-flax)
    • Hesperolinon breweri (Brewer's Dwarf-flax)
    • Hesperolinon californicum (California dwarf-flax)
    • Hesperolinon congestum (Marin dwarf-flax / Marin Western Flax)
    • Hesperolinon didymocarpum (Lake County dwarf-flax / Lake County Western Flax)
    • Hesperolinon disjunctum (Coast Range dwarf-flax / Coast Range Western Flax)
    • Hesperolinon drymarioides (drymaria-like western flax)
    • Hesperolinon micranthum (Smallflower Western Flax)
  • Synonyms: Mentions Linum berlandieri var. berlandieri as a variety.

Distribution and Habitat

  • Primarily found in California, US, particularly in counties like Lake, Marin, Contra Costa, San Mateo, Napa, and Ventura.
  • Specific locations mentioned include:
    • Lake County (e.g., Clear Lake, Boggs Lake)
    • Golden Gate National Recreation Area
    • Edgewood County Park
    • Crystal Springs Park
    • Ring Mountain
    • Crystal Spring Lake
  • Also found in Mexico (MX).
  • Often associated with serpentine outcrops, particularly in the Napa/Lake county region.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Most Hesperolinon species are annual forbs/herbs (non-woody plants that are not grasses).

Ecology

  • Some species are considered sensitive and monitored by organizations like the BLM.

Quirky Facts

  • Hesperolinon is referenced in the context of land management policies, demonstrating that its conservation status is sometimes considered at the county level.
  • MDF is sometimes used as an acronym to refer to Marin Dwarf Flax, along with its actual meaning Marin Dwarf Flax.

Further Information

  • Discover Life offers a page about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Hesperolinon didymocarpum (Lake County dwarf-flax).