How much sun does Linseed need?

Linseed grows best in part shade conditions.

When does Linseed bloom?

Linseed blooms in June, July, and August.

Is Linseed toxic to cats?

Yes. Linseed is listed as toxic to cats by the Cornell University Poisonous Plants Database (aspca.org). If your cat has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

What pollinators does Linseed attract?

Linseed draws bees and beetles.

Is Linseed HOA-friendly?

Linseed takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Linseed

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Linum usitatissimum

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Linseed (Linum usitatissimum) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

part shade

Water

medium

Size

12"–36" H × 6"–12" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Native alternatives to Linseed

Linseed is not native to the United States. These natives fill a similar role in a planting, matched on bloom season, bloom color and mature size.

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Flax is an annual plant with delicate blue flowers and slender stems that reaches 1-3 feet tall. It blooms through summer months and has been cultivated for centuries for fiber and seed production. The plant has a neat, upright growth habit with narrow leaves.

In an HOA neighborhood

Linseed takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: moderate. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Annual nature requires replanting each year
Can appear agricultural or weedy rather than ornamental
May self-seed creating unpredictable patches

Wildlife value

Flax flowers attract bees and beetles during its summer blooming period. As an annual, it provides seasonal nectar sources for pollinators.

Common questions

How much sun does Linseed need?: Linseed grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Linseed bloom?: Linseed blooms in June, July, and August.
Is Linseed toxic to cats?: Yes. Linseed is listed as toxic to cats by the Cornell University Poisonous Plants Database (aspca.org). If your cat has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
What pollinators does Linseed attract?: Linseed draws bees and beetles.
Is Linseed HOA-friendly?: Linseed takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

Ready to grow Linseed? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

Add this plant to your garden

iPhone app Android app

Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant

Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz