Types of Wild Flax Plants

Yellow Toad Flax

• Yellow toad flax (Linaria vulgaris) originated in Eurasia. Because it was considered a desirable wild flower, it was allowed to spread and escape cultivation. It is presently naturalized throughout America and Canada. This flax plant is commonly found growing along fence lines, roadsides, pastures and wood edges along the Pacific Coast and in eastern North America. It reproduces by seeds and horizontal roots and grows in various conditions such as dry plateaus, damp rocks, mountain areas, sandy soils and fertile plains.

Flowering Flax

• The most noticeable wild flax plant is the flowering flax (Linum grandiflorum). This flax plant, which comes from North Africa, grows erect. It has a moderate growth habit and reaches up to 6 to 18 inches tall, according to Arizona State University. Flowering flax plants have a fine texture and long grayish-green leaves. They produce flowers with red shades and grow best in full sun.

Yellow Flax

• Yellow flax (Reinwardlia indica) is barely noticeable during most of the year, although in cool winter months it has showy flowers. It has dull-green leaves with thin blades. The plant's golden-yellow flowers, which only last for a day, fall off easily. Yellow flax is a shrub with weak stems and is commonly found growing wild along streams. Its exceptionally thin stems can bend easily without breaking. The plant's soft, although tough flax fibers, are used in making linen.

New Zealand Flax

• New Zealand flax (Agavaceae phormmiaceae), which is a native plant of New Zealand," has an upright growth habit and has fan-shaped clumps. It grows slowly in northern areas, but moderately in warmer regions. This flax plant has linear, sword-shaped leaves. Its flowers are rarely seen in cool areas. This plant grows in moist, well-drained soil and has few pest problems. Roots are susceptible to near-freezing temperatures. The leaves of New Zealand flax are suited for cut arrangements as they are long lasting.