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Linum humile

Linum humile
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Linum humile (Linum humile) — botanical photograph
Pl. 83E9 — Linum humile
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I

Overview

Linum humile, commonly known as Linum humile, is an annual forb or herb native to the arid and semi-arid regions of Iran, Iraq, Lebanon-Syria, North Caucasus, Transcaucasus, and Turkey. This plant thrives in moist but well-drained soils, particularly light (sandy) and medium textures with a pH range of 6.5–7. Known for its edible and medicinal properties, Linum humile is valued both as an ornamental and for its practical uses. It reaches a height of up to 0.6 meters and prefers moderate sunlight, making it suitable for areas with 7 out of 10 light exposure. This plant is adaptable and can be found in a wide range of introduced regions, including parts of North America, Europe, and Asia. While it is not drought-resistant, it can be cultivated in various environments, from temperate to tropical climates. Linum humile is edible and can be used for its oil, though no specific parts or compounds are highlighted. Its introduction into numerous regions underscores its versatility and potential for cultivation in diverse settings.

Quick answers

What is Linum humile?

Linum humile, commonly known as Linum humile, is an annual forb or herb native to the arid and semi-arid regions of Iran, Iraq, Lebanon-Syria, North Caucasus, Transcaucasus, and Turkey. This plant thrives in moist but well-drained soils, particularly light (sandy) and medium textures with a pH range of 6.

IV·b

Mixology suggestions

2 drafts
Editorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Evening Calm
sleep
tea
Traditional bedtime infusion.
Stress Relief
stress
tincture
Historically used for calming effects.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
V

Cultivation

Linum humile thrives in light to moderately moist conditions with well-draining soils that are neutral to slightly alkaline (pH 6.5–7). It prefers sandy or medium-textured soil and is best suited for a full sun exposure. This annual plant can grow up to 0.6 meters tall and requires regular watering, especially during dry periods. While hardiness information isn't provided, it is native to temperate regions such as Iran, Iraq, Lebanon-Syria, North Caucasus, Transcaucasus, and Turkey. Propagate by seed in the spring for best results.
Light
7/10
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Life cycle
Annual
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.6 m tall
Soil pH
6.5–7
For first-time growers

How to grow Linum humile for the first time

8steps

Start with Skip by preparing the soil and planting seeds in early spring for a successful annual herb.

  1. 1

    What you'll need

    Seeds, a garden fork or trowel, a watering can.

  2. 2

    Best time to plant

    Plant Skip seeds in early spring as soon as the soil is workable.

  3. 3

    Soil and container prep

    Prepare well-draining soil with a pH of 6.5–7. Loosen the topsoil to about 30 cm deep.

  4. 4

    Sowing or transplanting

    Sow seeds directly into the garden bed, spacing them about 20-30 cm apart and covering lightly with soil.

  5. 5

    First two weeks

    Keep the soil consistently moist. Thin seedlings to 15-20 cm apart once they have their first set of true leaves.

  6. 6

    Ongoing care

    Water regularly, especially during dry spells. Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

  7. 7

    Harvest or pruning

    Prune Skip after flowering to encourage more blooms and prevent self-seeding.

  8. 8

    Common mistakes

    Overwatering, planting in heavy soil, neglecting to thin seedlings.

VI

Edible & utility

Edible uses: Oil
Other uses:Fiberoil
Contextrange · companions · related
VII

Distribution

6 native · 139 introduced
Distribution across5 continents· 6 native· 139 introduced
Europe11 regions
native (1)Russia
introduced (10)AlbaniaBelgiumBulgariaCyprusFranceItalyPortugalRussiaSpainUkraine
Asia22 regions
native (3)IranIraqTurkey
introduced (19)AfghanistanBangladeshChinaGeorgiaIndiaJapanKazakhstanMongoliaNepalOmanPakistanPalestineSaudi ArabiaSouth KoreaThailandTurkmenistanUzbekistanVietnamYemen
Americas5 regions
introduced (5)Costa RicaCubaDominican RepublicEcuadorUruguay
Africa8 regions
introduced (8)AlgeriaAngolaEgyptEthiopiaKenyaLibyaMoroccoTunisia
Oceania1 region
introduced (1)New Caledonia
Broader regions
native:Lebanon-Syria, Transcaucasus
introduced:Alabama, Alberta, Amur, Argentina Northeast, Argentina Northwest, Argentina South, Arizona, Arkansas, Bermuda, British Columbia, California, Chile Central, Chile North, Colorado, Connecticut, Czechoslovakia, Delaware, District of Columbia, East Aegean Is., East Himalaya, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kamchatka, Kansas, Kentucky, Khabarovsk, Kirgizstan, Kriti, Louisiana, Maine, Manitoba, Maryland, Masachusettes, Massachusetts, Mexico Central, Mexico Northeast, Mexico Northwest, Mexico Southwest, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Newfoundland, North Carolina, North Dakota, Northwest Territorie, Nova Scotia, Ohio, Oklahoma, Ontario, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Primorye, Québec, Rhode I., Sakhalin, Saskatchewan, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tadzhikistan, Tasmania, Tennessee, Texas, Turkey-in-Europe, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Himalaya, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming, Yugoslavia
IX

Specimen gallery

1 image
Linum humile (Linum humile) — botanical photograph
Linum humile (Linum humile)
XI

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