Linum strictum aka Stiff Flax

Linum strictum is an annual in the flax family, Linaceae. Its native range spans the Mediterranean to the western Himalaya. It also reaches northeastern tropical Africa. Kew places it within the temperate climate group. The RHS records that it is not native to Britain or Ireland. Its broad range includes southern Europe, northern Africa, and western Asia. Plants for a Future also lists Pakistan and Ethiopia.

This plant grows to about 1.3 feet [0.4 metres] tall. Its annual habit means it completes its life within one year. In the wild, it grows on dry hills. It also occurs in sandy ground, rocky places, and vineyards. These habitats give context for its need for good drainage. Plants for a Future lists cultivated beds as a garden setting. The supplied sources give no mature spread.

Choose a sunny, sheltered site for cultivation. This species does not grow in shade. Plants for a Future recommends light soil with plenty of humus. It favours moderate fertility, though the plant can tolerate poor soil. Sandy and loamy soils both suit it. The soil should drain well rather than hold standing water. It accepts mildly acid, neutral, and mildly alkaline conditions. Its stated moisture range runs from dry to moist.

Plants for a Future lists USDA hardiness zones 5–9. It also gives a UK zone number of 6. That number does not establish an RHS H-rating. Sow seed where the plants will grow in early spring. This is the propagation method given in the source. The flowers have both male and female organs. Insects pollinate them. The supplied evidence gives no species-level flower colour or bloom season. It also gives no details of leaves or fruit.

Plants for a Future records no known edible uses. It gives the species an edibility score of zero. The seeds have a recorded use as an emollient. This means a substance used to soften or soothe skin. The source gives this medicinal use a low rating. It lists no other uses and no known hazards. A lack of recorded hazards does not prove safety. The supplied evidence names no pests or diseases. It does not flag the species as a weed.