Flax (flower)

Description:

Also known as Common Flax or Linseed, this is an annual plant that can grow quite tall, reaching heights of 1.2 metres (3 ft 11 in). The flowers are typically a pure, pale blue with 5 petals and a yellow centre, but they can also be a bright red. Flax is one of the oldest fibre crops in the world, it is known to have been used in the production of linen in ancient Egyptian times. Flax is grown for a large variety of reasons, including: its oil, which is used as a nutritional supplement, as an ingredient in wood finishing products, for birdseed and also for ornamental purposes. This plant grows very rapidly and requires few fertilizers or pesticides. Within 8 weeks after planting, Flax will grow to 10-15 cm (4-6 in) in height. It will continue, under optimal conditions, to grow several centimetres a day and within 15 days can reach 70-80 cm (27.5 -31.5 in).

Habitat:

Flax grows best in loose soil, loam and soil containing a significant amount of organic material. Heavy clay and sandy soils are not suitable for growing Flax.

Notes:

These particular flowers have all grown as a result of songbirds tossing the seeds out of the bird feeder. I love their colour, and it's nice to see that there are now quite a few growing out on our front lawn.