Flax
Linum usitatissimum
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Pl. 0737 — Linum usitatissimum
Linum usitatissimumLinum usitatissimumLinum usitatissimumLinum usitatissimumLinum usitatissimumLinum usitatissimumLinum usitatissimumLinum usitatissimumLinum usitatissimumLinum usitatissimumLinum usitatissimumLinum usitatissimumLinum usitatissimumLinum usitatissimum
IOverview
Overview
Flax (Linum usitatissimum) is an annual forb or herb native to regions including Manitoba and Turkey, with a range that extends to Iran, Iraq, Lebanon-Syria, and the North Caucasus. Known for its edible seeds, flax thrives in moist conditions and light to medium soil types, thriving best in pH levels between 6.5 and 7. It is commonly found in hardiness zones 4-8 and can grow up to 0.7 meters tall. One distinctive feature of this plant is its light requirement; it prefers a moderate amount of sunlight, making it adaptable for various garden settings while also being valued for its culinary uses.
Quick answers
What is Flax?
Flax (Linum usitatissimum) is an annual forb or herb native to regions including Manitoba and Turkey, with a range that extends to Iran, Iraq, Lebanon-Syria, and the North Caucasus. Known for its edible seeds, flax thrives in moist conditions and light to medium soil types, thriving best in pH levels between 6.
What is Flax used for?
Traditionally used for digestion, topical & skin. Each claim is evidence-rated — see Section II for full citations.
Best for
Top 2 evidence-ranked uses of Flax
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
IIBenefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources
Benefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources- Flax seeds have been traditionally used in European and Native American medicine to support digestive health, particularly for constipation. The high fiber content helps regulate bowel movements.
The soluble fiber in flaxseed forms a gel-like substance that increases stool bulk and softness, aiding in the relief of constipation. This mechanism is well-characterized through clinical studies.
- Flax seeds and oil have been traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine to support skin health, providing moisture and nourishment. The omega-3 fatty acids are key components.
Omega-3 fatty acids found in flaxseed oil help maintain the integrity of cell membranes, enhancing their ability to retain water and nutrients, which supports healthy skin hydration.
IV·bMixology suggestions
1 draft
Mixology suggestions
1 draftEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Flax support blend
generaltea
AI returned a direct ingredient list; normalized into one draft blend for editorial review.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Flax thrives in light to medium soil and prefers a pH between 6.5 and 7. It is hardy in zones 4-8 and requires moist conditions. Flax needs full sun to partial shade and should be watered regularly. As an annual forb/herb, it grows up to 0.7 meters tall. For best results, propagate from seed directly sown into the garden bed. Harvest the edible seeds when they are dry and fully matured.
Light
7/10
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Hardiness
4-8
Life cycle
Annual
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.7 m tall
Soil pH
6.5–7
For first-time growers
How to grow Flax for the first time
8steps
Start with easy-to-grow flax for a rewarding beginner gardening experience.
- 1
What you'll need
Flax seeds, potting soil, containers or garden space, watering can.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost, when temperatures are mild.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil with a pH of 6.5–7. Ensure containers have drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds in the garden or start them indoors, then transplant outdoors after germination.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep soil consistently moist and protect from extreme heat or cold during this period.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Provide light shade if temperatures are high.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead leaves and stems to maintain plant health, but wait for seeds to mature before harvesting.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting too deep, neglecting to provide light shade in hot weather, not removing spent flowers, using unsuitable soil
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Seed
Edible uses: Oil, Coffee, Gum
Other uses:BiomassFiberGumtextilesoilDynamic accumulator
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
7 native · 23 introduced
Distribution
7 native · 23 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 7 native· 23 introduced
Europe6 regions
native (1)Russia
introduced (5)AlbaniaBelgiumPortugalRussiaSpain
Asia8 regions
native (3)IranIraqTurkey
introduced (5)AfghanistanBangladeshIndiaIranKazakhstan
Africa2 regions
introduced (2)AlgeriaAngola
Broader regions
native:Lebanon-Syria, Transcaucasus, Manitoba
introduced:Tadzhikistan, Arkansas, Alabama, Argentina South, Argentina Northeast, Kirgizstan, Amur, Argentina Northwest, Arizona, Alberta, Bermuda
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family, common use cases, and growing requirements.
shared use cases
Different families, similar therapeutic role — good for comparing.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
- Last updated
- Citation
- How to cite this entry · Submit a correction
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