Herb: Native Flax


Latin name: Linum marginale


Family: Linaceae (Flax Family)



Edible parts of Native Flax:

Seed - raw or cooked. Mucilaginous, with very little flavour.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Perennial


Height:
60 cm
(2 feet)

Habitat of the herb:

Sandy loams in the sub-alpine and montane zones, in grassland and open forest.

Other uses of Native Flax:

A very strong fibre is obtained from the stem. It is used for making nets and cordage.

Propagation of the herb:

Seed - sow spring in greenhouse. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Basal cuttings in spring. Harvest the shoots when they are about 8 - 10cm long with plenty of underground stem. Pot them up into individual pots and keep them in light shade in a cold frame or greenhouse until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the summer. Division.

Cultivation of Native Flax:

Sandy loams in the sub-alpine and montane zones, in grassland and open forest.

Medicinal use of the herb:

None known

Known hazards of Linum marginale:

None known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.