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Linum usitatissimum
  • Flax

an annual member of the Linum genus in the family Linaceae.

Flax flowers.jpg
Niche
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    The ecosystem niches for this plant are unknown. Do you know them? Click the edit button to add them!
Functions
  • None
    None
    There are no functions defined for this plant. Do you know of some? Click the edit button to add them!
Light
  • Full sun
    Full sun
    The amount of sun exposure that a plant prefers in ideal conditions.
    Key
  • no shade
    No shade
    The amount of shade a plant will tolerate without adverse health affects.
    Key
Water
  • Water Requirementsmoderate
    Moderate
    The amount of water a plant needs for healthy growth, relative to other plants.
    Key
Soil
  • acid,neutral,alkaline
    Acid to Alkaline
    The PH range (acidity or alkilinity) of the growth medium ideal for healthy nutrient absorbtion.
    Key
  • Sandy to Loamy
    The soil texture this plant prefers for optimal growth.
    Key
Cold & Heat
  • 4
    Zone 4
    The USDA Hardiness scale assigns plants a number from 1 to 12 representing the minimum temperature a plant can survive.
    Key
    0< -53.9ºC< -65ºF
    1-51.1ºC-60ºF
    2-45.6ºC-50F
    3-40ºC-40ºF
    4-34.4ºC-30ºF
    5-28.9ºC-20ºF
    6-23.3ºC-10ºF
    7-17.8ºC0ºF
    8-12.2C10ºF
    9-6.7ºC20ºF
    10-1.1ºC30ºF
    114.4ºC40ºF
    12> 10ºC> 5ºF
  • ?
    Unknown
    The AHS Heat scale assigns plants a number from 1 to 12 representing the number of days per year a plant requires a temperature exceeding 30ºC (86ºF).
    Key
    11
    21 - 7
    38 - 14
    415 - 30
    531 - 45
    646 - 60
    761 - 90
    891 - 120
    9121 - 150
    10151 - 180
    11181 - 210
    12181 - 210
Linum usitatissimum has 3 edible uses listed
Linum usitatissimum has 6 material uses listed
Linum usitatissimum has 11 medicinal uses listed

Uses

Toxic parts

The seed of some strains contain cyanogenic glycosides in the seed though the toxicity is low, especially if the seed is eaten slowly. It becomes more toxic if water is drunk at the same time[1][2]. The cyanogenic glycosides are also present in other parts of the plant and have caused poisoning to livestock[3].

Edible uses

Notes

Seed - raw or cooked[4]. The seed contains 30 - 40% oil, which comprises mainly linoleic and linolenic acids[5]. The seed also contains cyanogenic glycosides (prussic acid). In small quantities these glycosides stimulate respiration and improve digestion, but in excess can cause respiratory failure and death[5]. Cultivars low in these glycosides have been developed and large quantities of the seed would need to be eaten to achieve a harmful dose. The seed is used in breads and cereals, it can also be sprouted and used in salads[6]. The seed is hard to digest and provokes flatulence[7]. A nutritional analysis is available[8].

The roasted seed is said to be a coffee substitute[6]. A herbal tea can be brewed from the seed[6].

An edible oil is obtained from the seed[6][9], though it needs to be properly refined before it can be eaten. Some caution is advised in the use of the seeds for food since some varieties of this plant contain toxins.

Unknown part

Coffee
Oil

Seed

Unknown use

Material uses

A fibre is obtained from the stem[10][11][12][13][14]. It is of very high quality and is used in making cloth, sails, nets, paper, insulating material etc.The best quality flax fibre is used for making cloth. It is soft, lustrous and flexible, although not so flexible or elastic as cotton or wool[9].. It is stronger than cotton, rayon or wool, but weaker than ramie[9]. Lower quality fibre is used in manufacturing of towelling, matting, rugs, twines, canvas, bags, and for quality papers such as printing currency notes[9]. The plant is harvested just after it flowers[15]. The yield is 0.5 to 0.9 tonnes of fibre per hectare. When used for paper making, the stems are harvested in late summer or autumn when they are two thirds yellow and are then retted[16]. The fibre is then stripped from the stem, cooked for two hours or more with lye and then beaten in a Hollander beater[16].

The lower quality flax straw from seed flax varieties is used in the manufacture of upholstery tow, insulating material, rugs, twine, and paper. Some of the better quality straw is used in the manufacture of cigarette and other high-grade papers[9]. The seed contains 38 - 40% of a drying oil[17]. It has a very wide range of applications. The paint and varnish industries consume about 80% of all the linseed oil produced. The remainder is used in items such as furniture polish, enamels, linoleum, oilcloth, printer's inks, soap making and patent leather[18][13][19][20][9]. It is also used as a wood preservative and as a waterproofing for raincoats, slickers, and tarpaulins[9]. The oil is also used in a spray on concrete roads to prevent ice and snow from sticking - it has the additional benefit of helping to preserve the concrete and prevent surface cracking and wear[9]. Yields of over 4 tonnes of seed per hectare have been recorded in N. America, but yields of 2 tonnes or less are more common[9].

A mucilage from the soaked or boiled seeds is used as a size for linen warps[19].

Unknown part

Fibre
Gum
Oil
Size
Biomass
Insulation

Medicinal uses(Warning!)

Linseed has a long history of medicinal use, its main effects being as a laxative and expectorant that soothes irritated tissues, controls coughing and relieves pain[5]. The seed, or the oil from the seed are normally used[5].

The seed is analgesic, demulcent, emollient, laxative, pectoral and resolvent[7][21][22][18][23][8][3]. The crushed seed makes a very useful poultice in the treatment of ulceration, abscesses and deep-seated inflammations[7][20]. An infusion of the seed contains a good deal of mucilage and is a valuable domestic remedy for coughs, colds and inflammation of the urinary organs[7]. If the seed is bruised and then eaten straight away, it will swell considerably in the digestive tract and stimulate peristalsis[21] and so is used in the treatment of chronic constipation[5]. The oil in the seed contains 4% L-glutamic acid, which is used to treat mental deficiencies in adults[8]. It also has soothing and lubricating properties, and is used in medicines to soothe tonsillitis, sore throats, coughs, colds, constipation, gravel and stones[7][20]. When mixed with an equal quantity of lime water it is used to treat burns and scalds[20]. The bark and the leaves are used in the treatment of gonorrhoea[3]. The flowers are cardiotonic and nervine[3].

The plant has a long history of folk use in the treatment of cancer[8]. It has been found to contain various anticancer agents[8].

Unknown part

Analgesic
Cancer
Cardiotonic
Demulcent
Emollient
Expectorant
Laxative
Nervine
Pectoral
Resolvent
VD

Ecology

Ecosystem niche/layer

Ecological Functions

Nothing listed.

Forage

Nothing listed.

Shelter

Nothing listed.

Propagation

Seed - sow early to late spring in situ. Do not transplant the seedlings[5].

Practical Plants is currently lacking information on propagation instructions of Linum usitatissimum. Help us fill in the blanks! Edit this page to add your knowledge.



Cultivation

Prefers a light well-drained moderately fertile humus-rich soil in a sunny sheltered position[24]. Plants grow best in a well-drained, loamy soil, those overlying a clay subsoil produce the best results[9]. They prefer a pH in the range of 5 - 7[9]. Very light highly fertile soils are not desirable as they produce tall rank growth tending to lodge[9]. Plants are more sensitive to salt than most field crops[9]. Prefers a cool moist climate during the growing season, dry weather making the plants short and woody[4][9]. A very greedy plant, depleting the soil[7][25] and requiring a rich, well prepared soil if it is to do well[25]. Plants help to break up organic matter and prepare the soil for following crops[26]. Cultivars selected for seed production succeed under a fairly wide range of conditions, but those selected for fibre production require abundant moisture and cool weather during the growing season, and warm dry weather during harvesting, especially where water-retting is practiced[9].

The crop requires 15 - 20cm of rainfall if spread evenly over growing season, with 2.5 cm falling just before or after planting[9]. The plant needs a relatively long ripening period between flowering and harvesting. Warm, dry weather is desirable at the heading stage to cause plants to branch and produce seed; after vegetative growth, dry weather is required for curing the seed[9]. Linseed has a very long history of cultivation in temperate climates with evidence to show that it was being grown in Egypt over 5,000 years ago[9]. It fell into almost complete disuse in Britain in the 20th century as artificial fibres were increasingly used, but it is once again coming into prominence both as a fibre and as an oilseed crop(1995)[K]. Linseed is grown for its edible seed, the oil from the seed and for the fibres obtained from the stems[18]. There are many named varieties, though these usually fall within with two classes. One class, generally known as flax, does not branch much and is grown mainly for the fibre in its stem, whilst the other class, known as linseed, branches much more freely and is grown mainly for its seed. Although classified as a species, linseed is possibly an ancient cultigen derived in cultivation from L. bienne[27][5]. Flax crops take 3 - 4 months to reach maturity, though autumn or early spring sown crops can take 6 - 7 months[9].

Lolium specis (Rye grasses) and Phleum species (Timothy grass) have allelopathic effects on Linum, reducing its carbohydrate synthesis[9]. Linseed is a good companion plant for potatoes and carrots but is inhibited by Camelina sativa[28][29].

Crops

Problems, pests & diseases

Associations & Interactions

There are no interactions listed for Linum usitatissimum. Do you know of an interaction that should be listed here? edit this page to add it.

Polycultures & Guilds

There are no polycultures listed which include Linum usitatissimum.

Descendants

Cultivars

Varieties

None listed.

Subspecies

None listed.

Full Data

This table shows all the data stored for this plant.

Taxonomy
Binomial name
Linum usitatissimum
Genus
Linum
Family
Linaceae
Imported References
Edible uses
[4][5][6][7][8][9]
Medicinal uses
[5][7][21][22][18][23][8][3][20]
Material uses & Functions
[10][11][12][13][14][9][15][16][17][18][19][20]
Botanic
[24]
Propagation
Cultivation
Environment
Cultivation
Uses
Edible uses
  • Unknown part (Coffee)
  • Unknown part (Oil)
  • Seed (Unknown use)
Material uses
  • Unknown part (Fibre)
  • Unknown part (Gum)
  • Unknown part (Oil)
  • Unknown part (Size)
  • Unknown part (Biomass)
  • Unknown part (Insulation)
Medicinal uses
  • Unknown part (Analgesic)
  • Unknown part (Cancer)
  • Unknown part (Cardiotonic)
  • Unknown part (Demulcent)
  • Unknown part (Emollient)
  • Unknown part (Expectorant)
  • Unknown part (Laxative)
  • Unknown part (Nervine)
  • Unknown part (Pectoral)
  • Unknown part (Resolvent)
  • Unknown part (VD)
Functions & Nature
Functions
Provides forage for
Provides shelter for
Environment
Hardiness Zone
4
Heat Zone
?
Water
moderate
Sun
full sun
Shade
no shade
Soil PH
acid, neutral, alkaline
Soil Texture
sandy, loamy
Soil Water Retention
well drained
Environmental Tolerances
  • Strong wind
Ecosystems
Native Climate Zones
None listed.
Adapted Climate Zones
None listed.
Native Geographical Range
None listed.
Native Environment
None listed.
Ecosystem Niche
None listed.
Root Zone Tendancy
None listed.
Life
Deciduous or Evergreen
?
Herbaceous or Woody
?
Life Cycle
annual
Growth Rate
?
Mature Size
0.7 x 0.2 meters
Fertility
self fertile
Pollinators
Insects
Flower Colour
?
Flower Type
hermaphrodite











References

  1. ? Cooper. M. and Johnson. A. Poisonous Plants in Britain and their Effects on Animals and Man. HMSO ISBN 0112425291 (1984-00-00)
  2. ? Foster. S. & Duke. J. A. A Field Guide to Medicinal Plants. Eastern and Central N. America. Houghton Mifflin Co. ISBN 0395467225 (1990-00-00)
  3. ? 3.03.13.23.33.4 Chopra. R. N., Nayar. S. L. and Chopra. I. C. Glossary of Indian Medicinal Plants (Including the Supplement). Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, New Delhi. (1986-00-00)
  4. ? 4.04.14.2 Usher. G. A Dictionary of Plants Used by Man. Constable ISBN 0094579202 (1974-00-00)
  5. ? 5.05.15.25.35.45.55.65.75.8 Bown. D. Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, London. ISBN 0-7513-020-31 (1995-00-00)
  6. ? 6.06.16.26.36.4 Facciola. S. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications ISBN 0-9628087-0-9 (1990-00-00)
  7. ? 7.07.17.27.37.47.57.67.7 Grieve. A Modern Herbal. Penguin ISBN 0-14-046-440-9 (1984-00-00)
  8. ? 8.08.18.28.38.48.58.6 Duke. J. A. and Ayensu. E. S. Medicinal Plants of China Reference Publications, Inc. ISBN 0-917256-20-4 (1985-00-00)
  9. ? 9.009.019.029.039.049.059.069.079.089.099.109.119.129.139.149.159.169.179.189.199.209.21 Duke. J. Handbook of Energy Crops - (1983-00-00)
  10. ? 10.010.1 Mabey. R. Plants with a Purpose. Fontana ISBN 0-00-635555-2 (1979-00-00)
  11. ? 11.011.1 Chiej. R. Encyclopaedia of Medicinal Plants. MacDonald ISBN 0-356-10541-5 (1984-00-00)
  12. ? 12.012.1 Triska. Dr. Hamlyn Encyclopaedia of Plants. Hamlyn ISBN 0-600-33545-3 (1975-00-00)
  13. ? 13.013.113.2 Schery. R. W. Plants for Man. ()
  14. ? 14.014.1 Polunin. O. and Huxley. A. Flowers of the Mediterranean. Hogarth Press ISBN 0-7012-0784-1 (1987-00-00)
  15. ? 15.015.1 Johnson. C. P. The Useful Plants of Great Britain. ()
  16. ? 16.016.116.2 Bell. L. A. Plant Fibres for Papermaking. Liliaceae Press (1988-00-00)
  17. ? 17.017.1 Carruthers. S. P. (Editor) Alternative Enterprises for Agriculture in the UK. Centre for Agricultural Strategy, Univ. of Reading ISBN 0704909820 (1986-00-00)
  18. ? 18.018.118.218.318.4 Uphof. J. C. Th. Dictionary of Economic Plants. Weinheim (1959-00-00)
  19. ? 19.019.119.2 Buchanan. R. A Weavers Garden. ()
  20. ? 20.020.120.220.320.420.5 Phillips. R. & Foy. N. Herbs Pan Books Ltd. London. ISBN 0-330-30725-8 (1990-00-00)
  21. ? 21.021.121.2 Launert. E. Edible and Medicinal Plants. Hamlyn ISBN 0-600-37216-2 (1981-00-00)
  22. ? 22.022.1 Lust. J. The Herb Book. Bantam books ISBN 0-553-23827-2 (1983-00-00)
  23. ? 23.023.1 Mills. S. Y. The Dictionary of Modern Herbalism. ()
  24. ? 24.024.1 Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press ISBN 0-333-47494-5 (1992-00-00)
  25. ? 25.025.1 ? Encyclopaedia Britannica. 15th edition. ()
  26. ? Allardice.P. A - Z of Companion Planting. Cassell Publishers Ltd. ISBN 0-304-34324-2 (1993-00-00)
  27. ? Clapham, Tootin and Warburg. Flora of the British Isles. Cambridge University Press (1962-00-00)
  28. ? Philbrick H. and Gregg R. B. Companion Plants. Watkins (1979-00-00)
  29. ? Riotte. L. Companion Planting for Successful Gardening. Garden Way, Vermont, USA. ISBN 0-88266-064-0 (1978-00-00)


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