Common Flax
Linum usitatissimum
- Native to:
- Iran, Iraq, Lebanon-Syria, North Caucasus, Transcaucasus, Türkiye
( Hans Hillewaert )
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Linaceae
- Genus:
- Linum
- Species:
- Linum usitatissimum
- USDA Symbol:
- LIUS
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Annual
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 120 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- jun,jul,aug
- Bloom Colors:
- blue
- Food Forest:
- Contains edible parts
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Armyworm moth (Pseudaletia unipuncta), Beet Webworm (Loxostege sticticalis), Bertha armyworm (Mamestra configurata), Euxoa tristicula, lesser cornstalk borer (Elasmopalpus lignosellus), nutmeg (Discestra trifolii), Ononis moth (Heliothis ononis), Spring cankerworm (Paleacrita vernata), velvetbean caterpillar (Anticarsia gemmatalis)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees, birds
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- prefers fertile soils with good aeration
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- None required
- Germination Time:
- 7–14 days
- Notes:
- Seeds germinate readily in warm soil without pretreatment.
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow @ 20C. Germinates within 3 months.