common flax
ExplorePlants
common flax
Linum usitatissimum
Common flax is a pretty plant with blue flowers that grow in fields. It is used to make linen fabric and healthy flaxseed, which is good for you!
Habitat: Grasslands
Appearance
The common flax has slender, upright stems with narrow, lance-shaped leaves. Its delicate, sky-blue flowers typically have five petals, often appearing in clusters at the top of the plant. The fruit is a small, round capsule.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderMalpighialesFamilyLinaceaeGenusLinum
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Ancient Egyptians wrapped mummies in linen cloth made from flax fibers.
Flax flowers are shy; they only open for one day before they fall off!
Flax seeds can turn into amazing superfoods and even special paint!
This plant helps make linseed oil, used for art and protecting wood!
Special abilities
Ability
Strong Threads
Common flax has tough, fibrous stems that can be spun into linen, providing durability and strength.
Ability
Nutrient Powerhouse
Common flax produces seeds packed with oils and nutrients, storing energy for growth and attracting dispersers.
Ability
Quick Bloomer
Common flax grows and flowers quickly, allowing it to complete its entire life cycle in just one season.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 30-100 cm
- Spread
- 15-30 cm
- Flower Size
- 1.5-2.5 cm
- Bloom Season
- Summer
- Edible
- Yes
- Toxicity
- None
- Lifecycle
- Annual
- Pollination Method
- Insect
Ecological connections
pollinates
European honey bee
Apis mellifera
Bees collect nectar and pollen from flax flowers.
pollinates
Common Eastern Bumblebee
Bombus impatiens
Bumblebees are effective pollinators of flax plants.
eats
Green Peach Aphid
Myzus persicae
Aphids suck sap from flax stems and leaves, weakening the plant.
eats
European Goldfinch
Carduelis carduelis
Goldfinches often feed on the nutritious seeds of common flax.
Traits
Flowering
Flowering plants are any plants that produce flowers as part of their reproductive cycle.
Summer Blooming
Summer blooming plants produce their flowers during the summer season, often providing vibrant color when many other plants have finished.
Medicinal
Medicinal plants possess chemical compounds that can be used for therapeutic purposes to treat illnesses or maintain health.
Fiber
This human use trait identifies species that yield natural fibers, used by humans for textiles, rope, paper, and other manufactured goods.
Grain Crop
This human use trait denotes species cultivated as grain crops, harvested for their edible dry seeds (grains), which are a staple food source.
Agricultural
This human use trait describes species cultivated or domesticated by humans for agricultural purposes, including crops and livestock.
Edible
Edible plants are those parts of a plant that are considered safe for human consumption.
Grassland
Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals.
Domesticated
Domesticated refers to species that have been selectively bred and tamed by humans for specific purposes.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Always wash your hands after touching plants, just to be safe!
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is common flax?
30-100 cm
How wide does common flax spread?
15-30 cm
How big are the flowers on common flax?
1.5-2.5 cm
When does common flax bloom?
Summer
Is common flax edible?
Yes
Is common flax toxic?
None
What is common flax's lifecycle?
Annual
How is common flax pollinated?
Insect
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