Linum bienne 'Pale Flax'

[Ex. Dorset, England]

Linaceae: a slender annual/biennial to 60cm, with wiry, branched stems. Found in dry, calcareous grassland, mainly by the coast. The flowers are from 12-18mm across and lilac-blue, blooming from June-July. The leaves are narrow and pointed. Only common around the South West coastline. Native to Southwestern Europe, including Britain, to the Mediterranean, Madeira and Canaries.

USES:

A fibre obtained from the stem is used to make cloth.

GROWING INFORMATION:

Sow seeds in early spring. Plants commonly wait until their second year before flowering. Needs well-drained moderately fertile humus-rich soil in a sunny sheltered position. Easy!

HARVESTED: 

APPROX.