Flax

Flax

Common flax (Linum usitatissimum) is native to the Middle East in the flax family. It has received the name of a plant more valuable than gold due to its medicinal properties and its wide use in various industries. The plant spread easily throughout Europe, including Poland, where a decree was even issued ordering the cultivation of flax (8th century). From flax we extract valuable oil, fibers, use it in the kitchen, decorate gardens with it, and ancient folk customs were closely associated with this perennial plant. The plant is ideal for drying and is one of the most popular raw materials for dry bouquets and handicrafts.

Flax - plant characteristics

Common flax is classified as an annual plant. It grows up to 70 cm, and is characterized by thin, erect stems with numerous lanceolate green leaves. At the top of the branching stems grow individually large, five-petaled blue flowers. Flax becomes most decorative when the flower transforms into a fruit, they feel round, crackly seed sacs filled with, oblong, flat seeds. It is in this form that the flax is cut and dried using the herbal method, that is, hung fruit-bearing down for about 2 weeks in a warm, shady place.

Flax - occurance and cultivation

Naturally occurring flax can be found most in the Middle East. Flax is considered a perennial, but due to weather conditions such as strong temperature drops in some regions of the world (including Poland) it is grown as an annual plant. It is most often found in Europe, Asia and Africa. Flax belongs to undemanding plants. It prefers a warm position in full sun and permeable, slightly moist soil. Its strongly developed root system makes the plant cope well during drought. Stagnant water and excessive fertilization should be avoided. We can plant flax directly into the soil at the end of April, its flowering period begins at the end of June and lasts a month. The plant does not tolerate frost very well, a drop in temperature below -3°C can be dangerous for the crop.

Flax - common and lesser known uses

Len znajduje zastosowanie w wielu gałęziach przemysły, co sprawia, że roślina jest w całości wykorzystana i nie generuje odpadów. Przemysł włókienniczy korzysta z pędów lnu do produkcji nici oraz tkaniny. Jest przewiewna i elegancka, najczęściej wykorzystywana do produkcji koszul i luźnych spodni. Płyty paździerzowe wykorzystywane w meblarstwie i budowlance pochodzą z oczyszczonych paździerzy lnu i konopi. Makuch lniane znajdują zastosowanie w produkcji pasz dla zwierząt hodowlanych. Cenne właściwości lecznicze nasion lnu sprawiają, że stosowane są w medycynie i kosmetologii. Olej lniany jest cennym źródłem kwasów omega-3 i omega-6. Z powodzeniem możemy wykorzystać go w kuchni do sałatek lub sosów. Siemię lniane świetnie wpływa na układ pokarmowy i łagodzi wszelkie jego dolegliwości m.in. wrzody. W formie naparu pomaga łagodzić kaszel i przyspiesza porost włosów.

Dried flax and its use in floristics and handicrafts

Dried flax is a sensational plant for dry bouquets and for making crafts. Its unique appearance, durability and availability in many colors make it one of the most popular dried plants in Secca. We meet it in Christmas garlands, hair bands made of dried flowers, and reeds. In addition to dried cereals, natural dried flax is one of the main decorative materials for harvest wreaths. In dried bouquets flax looks great in the company of practically any plant, most often you juxtapose it with phalaris, gypsophila, dryweed, dried wheat. Remember that the listed dried plants are only a suggestion, do not be afraid to experiment and combine the most diverse species of dried and live plants.