Perennial Flax, Blue flax, Alpine flax

Linum perenne

Physical Characteristics

Linum perenne is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft) by 0.2 m (0ft 8in) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from June to July, and the seeds ripen in August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, flies. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.

Distribution

Europe. Western N. America.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Oil Seed Edible Uses: Oil Seed - cooked[46, 61, 183]. A pleasant nutty taste and very nutritious[94]. The seed has a high oil content and can be eaten on its own or used as a flavouring[161, 183]. It should not be eaten raw because it contains cyanide but this is destroyed in the cooking process[183].

Medicinal Uses

Antirheumatic Carminative Emollient Ophthalmic Poultice Stomachic The plant is antirheumatic, carminative and stomachic[94, 257]. The oil in the seed has soothing and lubricating properties, and is used in medicines to soothe tonsillitis, sore throats, coughs, colds, constipation, gravel and stones[244]. When mixed with an equal quantity of lime water it is used to treat burns and scalds[244]. A poultice of the fresh crushed leaves has been used to treat eye problems[94, 213]. A tincture of the entire plant is used in the treatment of diarrhoea[4]. The fresh herb is boiled and taken internally for the treatment of rheumatic pains, heartburn, colds, coughs and dropsy[4, 257]. A poultice of the plant is applied to bruises to reduce the swelling[257]. The seeds are emollient[240]. An eye medicine is made from them[257]. An infusion of the roots is used as an eyewash[257].

Known Hazards

The raw seed contains cyanide and should not be eaten raw[183]. The cooked seed is perfectly safe[183].