How much sun does Linseed need?

Linseed grows best in part shade conditions.

When does Linseed bloom?

Linseed blooms in June, July, and August.

Where is Linseed native?

Linseed (Linum usitatissimum) is native to OH, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.

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: June 2026

Light

part shade

Water

medium

Size

12"–36" H × 6"–12" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Central California Valley Sonoran Basin and Range

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.
Where is Linseed native?: Linseed (Linum usitatissimum) is native to OH, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
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.

Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

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

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