Hesperolinon adenophyllum
Glandular western flax, Glandular Western Flax
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Family: Linaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.2
Hesperolinon adenophyllum (Glandular western flax) is a native California herb in the Linaceae family.
Glandular western flax is a rare (CNPS 1B.2) California native annual found in northern and central Coast Ranges, especially in Lake and Mendocino counties, in serpentine chaparral at elevations of 150 to 1,000 meters. Flowering from May to August, this plant produces yellow flowers with orange veining that fade to white, each blossom around 3 to 5 millimeters long. Growing 10 to 50 centimeters tall with slender stems, it displays distinctive leaves with gland-tipped teeth arranged in 1 to 3 rows. Its leaves are opposite or whorled near the base, lanceolate and keeled, clasping the stem with margins edged by distinctive stalked, glandular teeth. The delicate plant bears yellow stamens and three yellow styles, creating an intricate botanical profile typical of serpentine habitat specialists.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Geographically isolated, distinguished by glandular leaf margins
Habitat and range
Habitat: Serpentine, chaparral
Elevation: 150-1000 m
California counties: Lake, Mendocino, Butte, Alameda, Humboldt
Bloom period
Hesperolinon adenophyllum blooms May-Aug.
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.2
How to tell it apart
vs Linum: Hesperolinon has 2-3 styles and whorled basal leaves; Linum has 5 styles and alternate leaves.; vs Gayophytum: Hesperolinon has whorled leaves and 2-3 styles; Gayophytum has alternate leaves and 4-parted flowers.; vs Eremogone: Hesperolinon has 2-3 styles; Eremogone has 3 styles and opposite leaves throughout.; vs Nemacladus: Hesperolinon has regular radial flowers; Nemacladus has strongly bilateral flowers.; vs Sclerolinon: Hesperolinon has 3 styles and stipule glands present; Sclerolinon has 2 club-shaped styles and no glands.
Frequently asked questions
Is Hesperolinon adenophyllum native to California?
Yes. Hesperolinon adenophyllum is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Hesperolinon adenophyllum bloom?
Hesperolinon adenophyllum blooms May-Aug.
Where in California does Hesperolinon adenophyllum grow?
Hesperolinon adenophyllum occurs in Lake, Mendocino, Butte, Alameda, Humboldt, at elevations of 150-1000 m.
What plant family does Hesperolinon adenophyllum belong to?
Hesperolinon adenophyllum is in the Linaceae family, genus Hesperolinon.
Is Hesperolinon adenophyllum rare or endangered?
Hesperolinon adenophyllum carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.2, state rank S2S3.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CNPS Rare Plant Inventory · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos · CDFW CNDDB
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.