Habitat
Linum marginale, a perennial herb commonly called Native flax or
Wild flax is indigenous to Australia, however it is widespread but
uncommon. Across southern Australia, Linum marginale can be
found in a broad range of habitats including the sandy loams in the
subalpine and montane zones, grasslands, and open forests (Ken
Fern/Plants for a Future). The montane zone has high
precipitation, temperatures above zero degrees Celsius, and have
little snow fall. The subalpine zone has an average midsummer
temperature above ten degrees Celsius and also has very high
precipitation. Here snow is common for one or more months
(Australian Alps National Park). Linum marginale prefers full sun to light
shade, thrives in a variety of soils, and can tolerate snow and
frost. Suitable pH levels of soil include neutral, acidic, or
alkaline with loamy or sandy textures. An ideal soil for Linum
marginale is moist yet well drained (Practical Plants).
In the spring, new shoots will mature and the plant will flower from spring to late summer before dying away in preparation for the snow and frost. Surrounding vegetation protects the plant from the harsh conditions of winter allowing Linum marginale to regrow the following year (Thrall et al, 2002).
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