species 8,044 observations
Common Flax
Linum usitatissimum
Field notes
Flax, also known as common flax or line, is a flowering plant, Linum usitatissimum, in the family Linaceae. It is cultivated as a food and fiber crop in regions of the world with temperate climates.
Textiles made from flax are known in English as linen and are traditionally used for bed sheets, underclothes, and table linen. Its seeds are known as flaxseed or linseed and its oil is known as linseed oil. In addition to referring to the plant, the word "flax" may refer to the unspun fibers of the flax plant.
The plant species is known only as a cultivated plant and appears to have been domesticated just once from the wild species Linum bienne, called pale flax. The plants called "flax" in New Zealand are, by contrast, members of the genus Phormium.
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Caterpillars
Moths and butterflies raised on it
Ipsilon Dart Moth, Variegated Fritillary, Setaceous Hebrew Character, Cabbage Looper Moth
18
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Plant eaters
Animals that feed on it
Western Flower Thrips, Timothy Thrips, Black Bean Aphid
3
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Flower visitors
Pollinators and other flower visitors
Two-spotted Bumble Bee
1
Range
Greener is more native, amber more introduced; paler is less certain. How this was decided
Key traits
- Layer
- Herbaceous plants
- Light
- Full sun Part shade
- Moisture
- Dry Well drained Moist
- Drought tolerant
- Yes
- Habit
- Creeping Erect Multi stemmed
From NC State Extension and USDA PLANTS.