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, white
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:
- birds
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
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 at 65-70°F with consistent moisture. Light is not required for germination.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow @ 20C. Germinates within 3 months.