Linum usitatissimum

Flax is grown both for its seeds and for its fibers. Various parts of the plant have been used to make fabric, dye, paper, medicines, fishing nets, hair gels, and soap. Flax fibers are amongst the oldest fiber crops in the world. The use of flax for the production of linen goes back at least to ancient Egyptian times.

Flax seed is the source of linseed oil, which has uses as an edible oil, as a nutritional supplement and as an ingredient in many wood finishing products. It is also grown as an ornamental plant in gardens. The inca also used this to create bowstring.

Flax seeds contain high levels of dietary fiber including lignans, an abundance of micronutrients and omega-3 fatty acids. Studies suggest that Flax seeds may lower cholesterol levels, taken in the diet may benefit individuals with certain types of breast and prostate cancers and much more.

Flax is the emblem of Northern Ireland.

Grown as ornamental garden plant valued for its sky blue flowers.