Flax (Linum, Linseed)

• Common Name: Flax (Linum, Linseed)
• Latin Name: Linum spp.
• Family Name: Linaceae

Most parts of this plant are TOXIC, but the seed contains cyanogenic glycosides, which release toxic hydrogen cyanide in the presence of water, so it is not wise to grow this plant near the tortoise enclosure, in case the seed pods fall into it.  Although most Linums have blue flowers, there is a red-flowered variety of Linum grandiflorum,  a violet variety of Linum bienne, and a yellow variety of Linum flavum.   Linum bienne has a very pale blue flower.

Flax may also be cultivated and grown as a garden plant.