Flower Properties

Property	Value
English Name	Scarlet Flax
MainColor	White
PlantType	Herb
Growth Type	Cultivated
Season	August
ImageUrl	Linum-001
Photographer	DP
Location	Glyndebourne
Human Toxicity	Mildly_Toxic

Flower Details

Description

A delicate annual bearing brilliant scarlet-red flowers with glossy petals and fine stems. It provides striking summer colour in wildflower plantings and cottage gardens. The plant self-seeds easily and prefers sunny, well-drained sites.

Distribution

Native to North Africa; grown ornamentally throughout Europe, including the UK.

Medicinal/Other Uses

None specific to this species, though related species (Linum usitatissimum, common flax) are well-known for their oil and fibre uses.

Edibility

Not edible; ornamental only.

Human Toxicity

Potentially toxic if ingested in quantity. Seeds and leaves may contain small amounts of cyanogenic glycosides.

Pet Toxicity

Mildly toxic to pets if eaten in large amounts; may cause stomach upset.

Active Compounds

Lignans and linoleic acid derivatives similar to those in cultivated flax.