SafePlants

Smallflower Dwarf Flax (Hesperolinon micranthum)

Hesperolinon micranthum, commonly known as Smallflower Dwarf Flax, is a delicate and intriguing plant native to the west coast of North America.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Hesperolinon micranthum (A. Gray) Small
• Family: Linaceae (Flax Family)
• Rank: Species
• Synonyms: Linum micranthum A. Gray

Common Names

• Smallflower Dwarf Flax
• Small-flowered Dwarf Flax
• Smallflower Western Flax
• Threadstem Flax
• Common Dwarf Flax
• Small Flower Western Flax

Distribution and Habitat

This species is native to the west coast of North America, including areas like Napa County, California, and the Santa Monica Mountains (Circle X Ranch Park).

Morphological Characteristics

• Hesperolinon micranthum is a forb/herb, meaning it is a non-woody plant that is not a grass.
• It is an annual plant, completing its life cycle in one year.
• It blooms from May through July.

Hesperolinon micranthum is part of the genus Hesperolinon, which also includes other species such as Hesperolinon congestum (Marin Dwarf-flax) and Hesperolinon adenophyllum (Glandular Dwarf-flax).

Quirky Facts

• The text mentions "Darren" who spent "many evenings investigating" this species. This hints at the plant's subtle characteristics making it potentially challenging to identify or study.

Further Information

• Discover Life offers a page dedicated to the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Hesperolinon micranthum.
• The Catalogue of Life is a resource for the accepted taxonomic status of this species.
• Garden Guides provides information about California Dwarf-flax (Californicum) and gardening practices.