common flax
Linum usitatissimum
USDA zones2 to 11
SunHandles full sun to partial sun
WaterHandles dry to moist soil
Size2 to 3 feet tall
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Habit
- Creeping
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer
- Bloom color
- Blue
- Foliage color
- Green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, chalk
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
- Toxicity
- Toxic to pets
Garden uses
Notes
Common flax (Linum usitatissimum) is an annual for borders, cottage gardens, and meadows. Cool weather suits it, and it can take a light frost. This plant likes full or part sun and dry to moist, sandy, loamy, or chalky soil. It grows 24 to 36 inches tall and bears blue flowers in spring and summer. It is drought tolerant. Keep it away from pets, since it is toxic to them.
Pairs well with Antiquity cosmos, Red fescue, and Pearly everlasting.
Native range
Turkey south to Iran.