Native flax, Wild flax
Linum marginale
Family: Linaceae
What it is like
A slender herb. It keeps growing from year to year. It grows 20-90 cm high and 5 cm wide. It has a thick taproot. The leaves are 0.5-2 cm long by 0.1-0.2 cm wide. They are dark grey-green and erect. The leaves are scattered. The leaves clasp the stem at the base. The flowers have open petals and there are many pale blue flowers. They are in loose clusters. The flowers are 2 cm across. The fruit is a capsule 0.6 cm across. It is brown and has a beak. The seed are 3 mm long.
There are about 200 Linum species.
Where it is found
It grows in temperate regions. It needs well drained soil. It can stand full sun or light shade. It can stand light frosts. It is often in drier areas but is then short lived. It grows in grassland and forest and often along roadsides. Tasmania Herbarium.
Countries/locations it is found in
Australia (country/location of origin), New Zealand, Norfolk Island, Tasmania (country/location of origin)
How it is used for food
The seeds can contain cyanide so would need to be well cooked.
Edible parts
Seeds, caution, stems
How it is grown
Plants self seed easily. Plants can be grown from seed or cuttings. Seeds remain viable for several years.