Try for Free
tab list
PictureThis
English
arrow
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
PictureThis
Search
Search Plants
Try for Free
Global
English
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
This page looks better in the app
picturethis icon
Instantly identify plants with a snap
Snap a photo for instant plant ID, gaining quick insights on disease prevention, treatment, toxicity, care, uses, and symbolism, etc.
Download the App for Free
Continue Reading
Flax

How to identify Flax (Linum usitatissimum)

Flax, also known as Linseed

Flax is a graceful annual herb that grows with an erect stance, typically achieving heights of 12 to 36 inches (30 to 90 cm). Its foliage consists of simple, alternate leaves that are narrow and possess smooth edges. The blooms of flax are visually striking, displaying a pale blue hue with five distinct, broad petals that flare outward elegantly. Following the flower stage, the plant produces a capsule-shaped fruit that houses the seeds.

Lifespan

Lifespan: Annual, Perennial

Plant Type

Plant Type: Herb

Leaf Type

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Flax

1

Erect annual herb, reaching 12-36 inches (30-90 cm) in height.

2

Pale blue flowers with 5 broad, spreading petals, forming star-like shape.

3

Simple, narrow leaves, 0.79-1.18 inches (2-3 cm) long, smooth-margined.

FlaxFlaxFlaxFlaxFlax

Detailed Traits of Flax

Leaf Features

The leaves of flax are simple, alternate, and narrow, typically measuring 0.79 to 1.18 inches (2 to 3 cm) in length. They are smooth-margined, with a lanceolate shape tapering to a fine point. The leaves exhibit a fresh, bright green color and have a smooth texture. Their veins are barely visible, contributing to the overall smooth appearance. These characteristics make the leaves of flax distinct and easily recognizable.

Learn About the Leaf Glossary
Group
Flower Features

The flowers of flax are pale blue and feature a strikingly broad and spreading appearance. They consist of five petals that form a symmetrical, star-like shape. Each petal is wide and slightly overlapping, contributing to the flower's open and delicate structure. These flowers typically measure about 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter. Flax's blooms are known for their simplicity and grace, appearing prominently during the flowering season from late spring to mid-summer. They possess a subtle, pleasant fragrance.

Learn About the Flower Glossary
Group
Icon code

Scan QR code to download

More Plants You May Like and How to Identify Them
Img topic
Cape jasmine

Gardenia jasminoides is an evergreen shrub with unique, glossy evergreen leaves and stunning flowers. The sophisticated, matte white flowers are often used in bouquets. The exceptional beauty of this ornamental plant has made it a popular and highly appreciated plant amongst gardeners and horticulturalists.

Img topic
Golden pothos

The golden pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is a popular houseplant that is commonly seen in Australia, Asia, and the West Indies. It goes by many nicknames, including "devil's ivy", because it is so hard to kill and can even grow in low light conditions. Golden pothos has poisonous sap, so it should be kept away from pets and children.

Img topic
Tomato

Solanum lycopersicum is an annual or perennial herbaceous vine native to Central and South America that produces a large, juicy, edible fruit known as tomato. Today there are over 10000 cultivated varieties. Although tomato is the world’s most popular vegetable, botanically it is a fruit.

Img topic
Pepper

The pepper are commonly used for cooking in places such as the Southern U.S. and Central America. Most are moderately spicy, though because there are so many variants, the spice level can vary dramatically. Cayenne powder is also a popular seasoning product made from pepper plants.

Img topic
Swiss cheese plant

The swiss cheese plant (Monstera deliciosa) produces bright, glossy leaves and makes a popular houseplant. It is originally native to tropical forest regions in Central America. The nickname swiss cheese plant refers to the small holes that develop in the plant's leaves. The long fruits resemble corncobs and smell sweet and fragrant when ripe.

Img topic
Bigleaf hydrangea

The bigleaf hydrangea is a deciduous shrub native to Japan, and is known for its lush, oval, colorful inflorescence. The two types of Hydrangea macrophylla are mopheads - with large, ball-shaped, sterile flower clusters, and lace capes - with small round fertile flowers in the center, and sterile flowers on the outer side of each inflorescence. Depending on soil pH, blooms can change color from pink to blue.

Identify Flax easily and quickly
We're also capable of identifying over 12,000 types of plants, flowers, succulents, and trees in your surroundings.
Identify a Plant Online

Key Facts About Flax

Attributes of Flax
Lifespan
Annual, Perennial
Plant Type
Herb
Plant Height
1.2 m
Spread
20 cm to 25 cm
Leaf Color
Green
Stem Color
Green
Leaf type
Deciduous
The Toxicity of Flax
Identify plants with a snap
Instantly identify plants with AI: Snap a photo, and get accurate results within seconds.
Download the App for Free

Scientific Classification of Flax

Family
Flax
Icon allow
Genus
Flaxes
Icon allow
Species
Flax (Linum usitatissimum)
Learn More About the Flax

Distribution Map of Flax

Flax is native to the Fertile Crescent region, with its presence in the wider Middle East and parts of Eastern Europe. It has been extensively introduced to multiple continents, including North and South America, Asia, Africa, and Europe, where it thrives in a variety of climates. Flax is also cultivated globally, reflecting its adaptability and importance across diverse regions.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
close
close
Your Ultimate Guide to Plants
Identify grow and nurture the better way!
product icon
17,000 local species +400,000 global species studied
product icon
Nearly 5 years of research
product icon
80+ scholars in botany and gardening
ad
ad
Botanist in your pocket
qrcode
PictureThis Ios DownloadPictureThis Android Download
Scan the QR code with your phone camera to download the app