Pale Flax
Linum bienne

Family: Linaceae

What it is like

Linum bienne is a ANNUAL/PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft) by 0.2 m (0ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from May to September, and the seeds ripen from July to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, flies. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure.

Height (m): 0.6

Where it is found

Dry grassland, especially near the coast, and especially on calcareous soils.

Southwestern Europe, including Britain, to the Mediterranean, Madeira and Canaries.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating: 2

A fibre obtained from the stem is used to make cloth.

Fibre: Used for making cloth, rope, paper etc.

How it is grown

Prefers a light well-drained moderately fertile humus-rich soil in a sunny sheltered position. L. angustifolium, mentioned above as a synonym of this species, is considered by some botanists to be a distinct species in its own right and the parent of L. usitatissimum, the cultivated flax.

Propagating it: Seed - sow early spring in situ.

Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Annual/Perennial

Hardiness: 6-9

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

L. angustifolium.