Flax

Linum usitatissimum L.

Family: Linaceae

Grain/Fiber Crop
Annual
Full Sun/Partial Shade

Pet & Human Safety

People: Toxic to peoplePets: Not on the ASPCA lists as we read them

Human edibility

Only some parts are edible

Edible parts

seed (flaxseed/linseed), commonly ground, in ordinary culinary amounts

Hazardous parts

whole plant in large quantities, per NC State's toxicity rating (see caution)

Preparation

Unconfirmed for ordinary culinary flaxseed: not addressed by the source used; do not assume raw/large-quantity seed is equivalent to typical processed food-product amounts without further sourcing

Hazard type

cyanogenic glycoside toxicity (respiratory difficulty, paralysis, convulsions) if large quantities of the plant are eaten

Hazard route

ingestion, dose-dependent per NC State's rating

How complete this information is

The safety information on this page is partial. Where a source covers a point, it is shown; where none does, the page says so.

Toxic to pets

No ASPCA entry found.

no ASPCA entry exists under this or any related common name. No pet-safety verdict is given, because not appearing in a list does not show a plant is safe. see the hazard information below for the separate food-safety picture.

Patent / trademark

not applicable

Poison control

If someone has collapsed, cannot be woken, is having a seizure or has trouble breathing, call 911 now. For any other possible poisoning, call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222.

Emergency number source: U.S. federal law (47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(3)), read 2026-10-07.

Naturalist Lore

Historical Background & Breeding Lore

The history of this plant and its name, and how it was bred, where we have them.

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Care

Hardiness zones: Not checked yet
Water needs: moderate Drought tolerant, but shallow rooting in clay soils.
Mature size: Erect, multi-stemmed annual subshrub with straight stems; medium growth rate, medium maintenance.
Where it comes from: Turkey south to Iran (NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox); cultivated as a fiber and grain crop worldwide.

Soil & Drainage

Pruning & Flush Rhythm

Feeding Schedule

How to prepare the soil, when and what to feed, and how and when to prune where that applies.

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