Linum tenuifolium

Sub-shrub of the Linaceae family, Linum tenuifolium is widespread in the Mediterranean basin and Central Europe, from the Iberian Peninsula to the Balkans and Asia Minor. It frequents dry grasslands, open garrigues, calcareous hillsides, and well-exposed rocky terrains, generally in plains and colline zones.

It forms low, dense clumps, slightly woody at the base, 10 to 15 cm in height, with numerous thin stems bearing very narrow, almost filiform foliage, of a medium to slightly glaucous green. This needle-like foliage gives it an airy and light texture that persists after flowering.

The flowers, pure white to slightly pinkish, have five rounded petals with a characteristic purplish-brown center, clearly visible and very constant in the species. This small dark eye at the heart of the white flower is the most immediate distinguishing mark to recognize Linum tenuifolium among white flax. In its natural habitat, its flowering extends from May to July.

It requires full sun, a calcareous or neutral soil, very well-drained and rather poor. Perfectly adapted to summer drought, it is suitable for calcareous rock gardens, sunny walls, and Mediterranean gravel gardens. Its hardiness is adequate provided the winter remains dry.