Fairy Flax

Fairy Flax,  Linum catharticum, is common in unimproved grassland and meadows in early summer, but easily overlooked as it is small and delicate. Finding it is worth the trouble as it is a delightful plant who’s dark twisting stem winds amongst the grasses and other vegetation. A miniature climber with opposite pairs of simple smooth elongate oval leaves.  The flowers comprise a trumpet of 5 white petals around the brilliant yellow stigmas at the centre. They often seem to float above the vegetation as they are borne on long petioles. The overall appearance is of a very delicate necklace of flowers. Sometimes known as purging flax as it has a violent emetic effect if eaten.