Linum hellenicum is endemic to Greece, where it is known from South Peloponnese. It is considered a rare species in Greece. Its extent of occurrence (EOO) is around 887 km², its area of occupancy (AOO) is 60 km², and it is estimated to occur in fewer than 10 locations, based on the most serious threat from wildfires. In the past it was believed to occur in only three localities, however it was recently rediscovered at more sites. Research and monitoring of the species are extremely urgent, as the establishment of wind turbines on some sites where the species grows, will likely result in the destruction of the species in these sites. Other serious threats the species faces include grazing and fire. Already, a continuing decline of its habitat has been observed. The largest known subpopulations do not exceed 1,000 individuals and the total population size is believed to comprise a maximum of 5,000 individuals. The species is assessed as Vulnerable (VU B1ab(iii,v)+2ab(iii,v); C2a(i)).

Linum hellenicum is a rare Greek endemic, found only on South Peloponnese. According to Phitos and Iatrou (1995) and Kalpoutzakis and Constantinidis (2009), it grows near Elliniko village, on the mountains Korakia, Koulochera and Megalo Vouno and recently, it was also found near Cape Maleas and the villages of Geraki, Niata and Vlachiotis (Strid 2022).

According to Kalpoutzakis and Constantinidis (2009), most subpopulations were small. The two largest were recorded on Mts Koulochera and Korakia, comprising 1,000 individuals approximately, on each mountain. The rest subpopulations recorded at the time, consisted of few, sparse individuals. However, according to the authors, the subpopulations were healthy. There are no data about the newly discovered locations.

According to Kalpoutzakis and Constantinidis (2009), who assessed the taxon, the species grows on open sandy places, as well as on sandstone or limestone soils, among bushes and phrygana. The vegetation in the area it occupies, consists mainly of Quercus coccifera, Pistacia lentiscus, Arbutus andrachne, Genista acanthoclada. It has also been reported on schist (Tan and Iatrou 2001). On Megalo Vouno, the taxon is found on limestone rocky sites, often on the basis of small shrubs, who protect it. The vegetation there is low, but fairly dense, consisting mainly of Quercus coccifera, Phillyrea latifolia and Genista acanthoclada. On Korakia Mountain, it is located on the northwest and northeast slopes, above or around marls, rarely on sites where bedrock has surfaced. Many individuals here are also protected by shrubs, mainly Quercus coccifera, Arbutus unedo, Cotinus coggygria, Genista acanthoclada, Erica manipuliflora, Phlomis cretica, Globularia alypum, Cistus salviifolius, Hypericum empetrifolium, Putoria calabrica. On Mount Koulochera, the species expands on its south-southwest parts, on gravelly or sandy places with marls, in sparse, low vegetation, consisting mainly of Quercus coccifera, Genista acanthoclada, Phlomis cretica, Erica manipuliflora, Globularia alypum, Thymus capitatus, Asperula taygetea, A. rigidula, Onosma erecta.

Fires, which are increasingly frequent and devastating, are a big threat to the species. Also, the localities of the taxon's habitats, are easily accessible. The prime human activity recorded in these areas by Kalpoutzakis and Constantinidis (2009), was grazing, particularly intense on Korakia and Koulochera mountains. Some newly found subpopulations are close to urban areas and inside crops. A more serious threat, however, is the development of wind farms in several sites of the species' habitats. According to the Greek Regulation Authority for Energy (2023), windfarms have already been established in less than half of these sites. It is doubtful if the species will survive in these localities. The construction of roads in steep slopes and the flattening of the mountain ranges, in order for the wind turbines to be established, will be catastrophic.

Their consequences must be investigated too, especially for the viability of the insects that could act as pollinators for the plants. A study report conducted by Trieb (2018) in Germany, investigated possible coherence of flying insect losses and insect impingement on the rotor blades of wind turbines. It is known that migrating insects select fast air streams above the turbulent surface layer of the atmosphere for the purpose of efficient displacement to breeding grounds. Wind farm developers select sites with strong winds and install high towers with rotors just above the surface layer in order to optimize the energy output of their wind turbines. As a result of this coincidence, large numbers of flying insects can be expected in wind farms. Model calculation of the amount of insect biomass that traverses wind rotors during operation provides a first estimate of the order of magnitude of 24,000 tons of insects crossing a German wind park throughout the summer season. Based on conservative model assumptions, five percent of the insects flying through a rotor could be actually damaged. The related loss of 1,200 tons per year since more than fifteen years could be relevant for population stability. As swarming and migration are linked to mating and dispersal, respectively, fatalities at wind turbines may have profound effects on insect populations at various spatial scales (Voigt 2021). Some insects, such as hill-topping butterflies, may occur only in small populations at a local scale. Placing wind turbines close to these populations or to the corresponding mating areas of these insects, for example on a mountain ridge or hilltop, may largely affect local populations. In addition, decline of insect populations may also diminish their ecosystem function, including services like pollination. The conclusions of these two articles raise great concerns about the quality of the habitats near wind turbines.

Grazing must be controlled, in order for this species to survive. Also, research must be done for the entire population of the species, in order to effectively protect it, as well as for its ecology, the threats it faces in every locality and actions that must be taken towards its conservation. Monitoring the population for several years along with planning its recovery and management of the area it occupies, are extremely urgent. Germplasm must be kept in seed banks, as well as ex situ propagation and cultivation of the species. Despite the fact that Mounts Koulochera and Korakia are included in the Natura 2000 network [GR2540001 (Ori Gidovouni, Chionovouni, Gaidourovouni, Korakia, Kalogerovouni, Koulochera kai Periochi Monemvasias Spilaio Solomou Trypa kai Pyrgos Ag. Stefanou kai Thalassia Zoni eos Akrotirio Kamili)], that didn't stop the establishment of huge windfarms in the vicinity of Linum hellenicum's habitat. Citizens' awareness and communication of the significance of this plant for the country's environment will also play a huge role for its survival. The state has to protect it by law.

In both Greek Red Data Books (Phitos and Iatrou 1995, Kalpoutzakis and Constantinidis 2009), the species was assessed as Vulnerable.