Status:
valid
Authors:
L.
Source:
cmp
Year:
1753
Citation Micro:
Sp. Pl. : 277 (1753)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000366385
Common Names
- Linum usitatissimum
- Flax
- Common Flax
Synonyms
- Linum moroderorum Pau [unknown]
- Linum indehiscens (Neilr.) Vavilov & Elladi [unknown]
- Linum humile Mill. [unknown]
- Linum sativum Hasselq. [unknown]
- Linum reuteri Boiss. & Hausskn. ex Boiss. [unknown]
- Linum arvense Neck. [unknown]
- Linum crepitans Dumort. [unknown]
- Linum usitatissimum humile (Mill.) N.M.Chernomorskaya [unknown]
- Linum trinervium B.Heyne ex Roth [unknown]
- Linum utile Salisb. [unknown]
- Linum usitatissimum crepitans Boenn. [unknown]
- Linum usitatissimum indehiscens Neilr. [unknown]
- Linum usitatissimum humile (Mill.) Pers. [unknown]
- Linum usitatissimum usitatissimum [unknown]
- Linum usitatissimum crepitans Elladi [unknown]
- Linum usitatissimum intermedium N.M.Chernomorskaya [unknown]
- Linum usitatissimum latifolium (L.) Stank. [unknown]
Description
Linum usitatissimum (also called Common Flax, among many other common names) is an annual herbaceous plant native to Europe, North Africa and temperate Asia. It has a slender stem and narrow, linear leaves. It grows in dry, sunny habitats, such as roadsides, fields and meadows.
Uses & Benefits
Linum usitatissimum is used in traditional medicine for treating skin diseases and infections. It is also used as a natural insect repellent and for its antifungal properties.
Cultivars, Varieties & Sub-species
Linum usitatissimum var. stenophyllum (Boiss.) Rech.f.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flowers of Linum usitatissimum are bright yellow and star-shaped, with five petals. The seeds are small, brown and round. The seedlings are thin and delicate, with small, light green leaves.
Cultivation and Propagation
Linum usitatissimum can be propagated by seed or cuttings. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It is drought tolerant and can tolerate some frost.
Where to Find Linum usitatissimum
Linum usitatissimum is native to Europe, North Africa, and Asia. It is commonly found in temperate regions, including parts of France, Italy, Spain, and Turkey.
Linum usitatissimum FAQ
What is the common name of Linum usitatissimum?
Common Flax
What is the scientific name of Common Flax?
Linum usitatissimum
What is the family of Common Flax?
Linaceae
Species in the Linum genus
Linum meletonis,
Linum maritimum,
Linum macraei,
Linum macrorhizum,
Linum marginale,
Linum nelsonii,
Linum mysurense,
Linum nervosum,
Linum narbonense,
Linum monogynum,
Linum mucronatum,
Linum hypericifolium,
Linum jimenezii,
Linum iranicum,
Linum hirsutum,
Linum hologynum,
Linum leucanthum,
Linum leonii,
Linum komarovii,
Linum numidicum,
Linum salsoloides,
Linum schiedeanum,
Linum nodiflorum,
Linum squamulosum,
Linum stelleroides,
Linum stocksianum,
Linum strictum,
Linum setaceum,
Linum seljukorum,
Linum silpii,
Linum pallescens,
Linum pamphylicum,
Linum perenne,
Linum obtusatum,
Linum ockendonii,
Linum olgae,
Linum olympicum,
Linum pallasianum,
Linum pubescens,
Linum punctatum,
Linum persicum,
Linum peyronii,
Linum phitosianum,
Linum album,
Linum alpinum,
Linum amurense,
Linum altaicum,
Linum appressum,
Linum empetrifolium,
Linum euboeum,
Species in the Linaceae family
Anisadenia pubescens,
Anisadenia saxatilis,
Hebepetalum neblinae,
Hebepetalum roraimense,
Hebepetalum humiriifolium,
Hugonia afzelii,
Hugonia belli,
Hugonia castaneifolia,
Hugonia costata,
Hugonia couraiana,
Hugonia deplanchei,
Hugonia elliptica,
Hugonia ferruginea,
Hugonia foliosa,
Hugonia gilletii,
Hugonia gossweileri,
Hugonia grandiflora,
Hugonia jenkinsii,
Hugonia latifolia,
Hugonia lenormandii,
Hugonia macrocarpa,
Hugonia mayumbensis,
Hugonia micans,
Hugonia montana,
Hugonia neocaledonica,
Hugonia obtusifolia,
Hugonia oreogena,
Hugonia papillosa,
Hugonia penicillanthemum,
Hugonia planchonii,
Hugonia platysepala,
Hugonia poilanei,
Hugonia racemosa,
Hugonia rufopilis,
Hugonia sapinii,
Hugonia serrata,
Hugonia talbotii,
Hugonia tomentosa,
Hugonia villosa,
Hugonia brewerioides,
Hugonia castanea,
Hugonia sphaerocarpa,
Hugonia coursiana,
Hugonia johannensis,
Hugonia longipes,
Hugonia orientalis,
Hugonia batesii,
Hugonia gabunensis,
Hugonia macrophylla,
Hugonia spicata,