Linum lewisii, June 21, 2023
Common & scientific name
Blue flax, Linum lewisii
Family
Flax, Linaceae
Location
Winter gate, 8,500’
Fun, weird, helpful, or little known fact
“Pluck the day [for it is ripe], trusting as little as possible in tomorrow.” This is the more accurate and complete translation of the oft-cited “carpe diem,” which is usually reduced to “seize the day” and leaves out “quam minimum credula postero.” I prefer this translation because it captures perfectly, in botanical terms even, the lesson of the blue flax: it blooms for exactly one day. Its petals open in the morning, and fall off by afternoon. Blue flax knows no tomorrow. Would that we all could live that way!