Linum usitatissimum aka Linseed

Linum usitatissimum, commonly known as flax or linseed, is a flowering plant belonging to the family Linaceae. It is cultivated as both a food and fiber crop in regions with temperate climates. The plant has small blue flowers and its stems can reach up to 120 centimeters in height for fiber flax and 50 centimeters for curly flax. The latter has strongly branched stems and is often planted in rock gardens where its delicate flowers provide a beautiful contrast against the stones. Flax is also used to make textiles, known as linen, which are traditionally used for bed sheets, underclothes, and table linen. Its oil, linseed oil, is used in traditional medicine. Flax seeds are sown in spring and can also be sown before winter. Perennial flax blooms in its second year. The leaves are simple and narrow with smooth margins, and the flowers are pale blue with broad, spreading petals. The plant species appears to have been domesticated once from the wild species Linum bienne, known as pale flax. However, the plants called "flax" in New Zealand are members of the genus Phormium. Overall, flax is a useful and versatile plant with various applications in both agriculture and medicine.