Common Flax

(Linum usitatissimum)

Common Flax (Linum usitatissimum)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Linum usitatissimum, commonly known as Common Flax, is an annual herb originally native to a range that includes grasslands and scrub areas in the region from Turkey to Iran. It has been extensively cultivated as a food and fiber crop in temperate climates around the world. Common Flax typically grows to a height of 1.2 meters (3 feet 11 inches) with slender stems. The plant is notable for its pure pale blue flowers, each 15–25 mm in diameter with five petals, blooming in the summer. The seeds produce linseed oil, which is used for various purposes, including culinary and industrial applications.

Common Flax is valued for its seeds and fibers. The fibers are used to make linen, while the seeds are used to produce linseed oil. It is also grown as an ornamental plant in gardens for its delicate flowers and as a cover crop to improve soil health. Flax thrives in full sun and requires medium amounts of water and well-drained soils rich in organic matter. Deep loams are ideal, while heavy clays and dry, sandy soils are less suitable. Flax cultivation has minimal requirements for fertilizers or pesticides, making it environmentally friendly. It is important to harvest flax for fiber at the correct time, as the quality of the fiber can degrade if the plants are allowed to turn brown.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb
  • Height: 2-3 feet
  • Width: 0.7-0.9 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: Blue, Purple, White
  • Flowering Season: Summer
  • Leaf Retention:

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Medium

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant, Showy Flowers

Natural Habitat

Originally native to grasslands and scrub areas from Turkey to Iran

Other Names

Common Names: Linseed, Flax, Cultivated Flax, Kettan, Almindelig Hør, Saatlein, Flachs, Saat-Lein, Lino, Peltopellava

Scientific Names: , Linum usitatissimum, Linum grandiflorum, Linum mucronatum, Linum usitatissimum var. usitatissimum, Linum sativum, Linum usitatissimum var. crepitans, Linum usitatissimum subsp. crepitans, Linum moroderorum, Linum trinervium

GBIF Accepted Name: Linum usitatissimum L.