Mediterranean lineseed (Bellardia trixago) is in the broomrape family family (Orobanchaceae). Across the U.S., iNaturalist users have logged 1,594 research-grade flowering observations of it in our sample, peaking in May.
Nationally it blooms mainly from April to June, but timing varies a lot by state and elevation — see the table below.
When to photograph Mediterranean lineseed: observations by month (U.S.)
About Mediterranean lineseed
Bellardia trixago is a species of flowering plant in the broomrape family known as trixago bartsia or Mediterranean lineseed. This plant is native to the Mediterranean Basin, but it is known in other places with similar climates, such as California and parts of Chile, where it is an introduced species and noxious weed.From Wikipedia via iNaturalist — article, CC BY-SA.
Mediterranean lineseed by state
| State | Observations | Peak month | Main season |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 1,347 | May | Apr–Jun |
| Texas | 247 | March | Mar–Apr |
Main season = months with at least 30% of the state's peak-month count.
Related wildflowers (broomrape family)
Warrior's Plume
Canadian lousewort
Purple Owl's-Clover
American cancer-root
Felt Paintbrush
Texas Paintbrush
One-Flowered Cancer-Root
Narrowleaf Cow Wheat
Photography tips
- Photograph flowers on calm, overcast mornings to avoid wind blur and harsh shadows.
- Get low: a shallow depth of field (f/2.8–f/5.6) isolates a bloom against soft color.
- Stay on trails — trampling meadows kills plants and ruins next year's display.
- Try a kaleidoscope abstract of a single bloom with our online kaleidoscope tool.
FAQ
When is the best time to photograph Mediterranean lineseed?
Nationally, May has the most observations, with the main season from April to June.
Where is Mediterranean lineseed most often seen?
The most observations come from California, Texas.