Flax | Description, Fiber, Flaxseed, Uses, & Facts

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text-right d-flex align-items-center"> <div class="tlr-title px-20 py-15 text-left"> <em class="material-icons text-gray-400 d-lg-none" data-icon="toc"></em> <a class="font-serif font-weight-bold text-black link-blue" href="https://www.britannica.com/plant/flax">flax</a> </div> <button aria-label="Close" class="js-sections-close-button btn-link btn-sm btn d-lg-none position-absolute top-0 p-10 right-0" > <em class="material-icons font-26" data-icon="close"></em> </button> </div> <div class="section-content pl-10 pr-20 pl-sm-50 pr-sm-60 pl-lg-5 pr-lg-10 pt-10 pt-lg-0 bg-gray-50 clear-catfish-ad"> <div class="toc mb-20"> <div class="font-serif font-14 font-weight-bold mx-15 mb-15 mt-20"> Table of Contents </div> <ul class="list-unstyled my-0" data-level="h1"><li data-target="#ref1"><div class="pl-25"><a class="link-gray-900 w-100" href="/plant/flax">Introduction</a></div><div class="ml-40 toc-drawer sub-toc-drawer"></div></li><li data-target="#ref341742"><div class="d-flex align-items-center"><div class="ml-25"></div><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/plant/flax#ref341742">Physical description</a></div><div class="ml-40 toc-drawer sub-toc-drawer"></div></li><li data-target="#ref341743"><div class="d-flex align-items-center"><div class="ml-25"></div><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/plant/flax#ref341743">Textile fiber</a></div><div class="ml-40 toc-drawer sub-toc-drawer"></div></li><li data-target="#ref341744"><div class="d-flex align-items-center"><div class="ml-25"></div><a class="w-100 link-gray-900" href="/plant/flax#ref341744">Flaxseed</a></div><div class="ml-40 toc-drawer sub-toc-drawer"></div></li></ul> <a class="toc-extra-link link-gray-900" href="https://www.britannica.com/plant/flax/additional-info">References & Edit History</a> <a class="toc-extra-link link-gray-900" href="/facts/flax">Quick Facts & Related Topics</a> </div> <div class="tlr-media-slider pb-10 mb-30"> <a class="section-header link-gray-900 font-serif font-14 font-weight-bold mb-10 mx-10" href="https://www.britannica.com/plant/flax/images-videos">Images</a> <div class="slider js-slider position-relative d-inline-flex align-items-center mw-100 "> <div class="slider-container js-slider-container overflow-hidden d-flex overflow-hidden text-nowrap ml-15"> <a href="https://cdn.britannica.com/42/174342-050-8D62DF24/linseed-flax.jpg" data-href="/media/1/209841/190845" class="media-overlay-link d-inline-block mr-5"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn.britannica.com/42/174342-004-0DC79563/linseed-flax.jpg" alt="A nutritional powerhouse" height="50" /> </a> <a href="https://cdn.britannica.com/20/182620-050-AB1BE20F/plant-Flax-bloom-fibres-seeds.jpg" data-href="/media/1/209841/202746" class="media-overlay-link d-inline-block mr-5"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn.britannica.com/20/182620-004-4A5F9B45/plant-Flax-bloom-fibres-seeds.jpg" alt="Flax" height="50" /> </a> <a href="https://cdn.britannica.com/03/6403-050-5A925442/flax-Hrodna-Belarus.jpg" data-href="/media/1/209841/748" class="media-overlay-link d-inline-block mr-5"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn.britannica.com/03/6403-004-423EF568/flax-Hrodna-Belarus.jpg" alt="Belarus" height="50" /> </a> <a href="https://cdn.britannica.com/65/196965-050-4D993F86/Linen-fabric-flax-fibres.jpg" data-href="/media/1/209841/238166" class="media-overlay-link d-inline-block mr-5"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn.britannica.com/65/196965-004-042E9226/Linen-fabric-flax-fibres.jpg" alt="linen" height="50" /> </a> <a href="https://cdn.britannica.com/35/11835-004-4874824B/Flax.jpg" data-href="/media/1/209841/5502" class="media-overlay-link d-inline-block mr-5"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn.britannica.com/35/11835-004-4874824B/Flax.jpg" alt="Flax (Linum usitatissimum)" height="50" /> </a> <a href="https://cdn.britannica.com/05/196905-050-AAAF73AF/flax-field-Normandy.jpg" data-href="/media/1/209841/255362" class="media-overlay-link d-inline-block mr-5"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn.britannica.com/05/196905-004-78767A95/flax-field-Normandy.jpg" alt="flax" height="50" /> </a> </div> <button disabled class="prev-button js-prev-button position-absolute btn btn-circle shadow btn-blue " aria-label="Previous"> <span class="material-icons md-24" data-icon="keyboard_arrow_left"></span> </button> <button disabled class="next-button js-next-button position-absolute btn btn-circle shadow btn-blue " aria-label="Next"> <span class="material-icons md-24" data-icon="keyboard_arrow_right"></span> </button> </div> </div> <div class="mb-30 tlr-related-quizzes"> <div class="text-gray-900 p-5 font-serif font-14 font-weight-bold mx-10 mb-10"> Quizzes </div> <div class="imagelink-with-image-on-the-side card card-horizontal tlr-img-with-side-link ml-15 link-gray-900 mb-10" > <div class="position-relative card-media" style="flex: 0;"> <a class="ilf-image position-relative" href="/quiz/plants-from-cute-to-carnivorous"> <img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn.britannica.com/71/166071-131-35933486/Venus-flytrap-one-fly-trap-meat-eating-plants.jpg?w=200&h=200&c=crop" alt="Venus's-flytrap. Venus's-flytrap (Dionaea muscipula) one of the best known of the meat-eating plants. 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Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). </div> <div class="type-menu"> <label for="feedback-type" class="label mb-10">Feedback Type</label> <select id="feedback-type" class="form-select mb-30" name="feedbackTypeId" required> <option value="" selected="selected">Select a type (Required)</option> <option value="1">Factual Correction</option> <option value="2">Spelling/Grammar Correction</option> <option value="3">Link Correction</option> <option value="4">Additional Information</option> <option value="5">Other</option> </select> </div> <label for="feedback" class="label mb-10">Your Feedback</label> <textarea id="feedback" class="form-control mb-30" name="feedback" maxlength="3000" rows="7" required></textarea> <button class="btn btn-blue" type="submit">Submit Feedback</button> </form> <div class="success-messaging d-none mt-30"> <div class="title">Thank you for your feedback</div> <p>Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="md-websites-modal size-lg d-none"> <div class="md-modal-body"> <div class="h2 font-serif pb-15 border-bottom font-weight-bold"> External Websites </div> <div class="pb-20"> <ul class="list-unstyled mt-20 lh-lg"> <li><a class="external" href="https://gobotany.nativeplanttrust.org/species/linum/usitatissimum/" target="_blank" rel="noopener ">Go Botany - Linum usitatissimum</a></li> <li><a class="external" href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7238412/" target="_blank" rel="noopener ">National Center for Biotechnology Information - PubMed Central - Flax (Linum usitatissimum L.): A Potential Candidate for Phytoremediation? Biological and Economical Points of View</a></li> <li><a class="external" href="https://inspection.canada.ca/plant-varieties/plants-with-novel-traits/applicants/directive-94-08/biology-documents/linum-usitatissimum-l-flax-/eng/1330979709525/1330979779866" target="_blank" rel="noopener ">Government of Canada - Canadian Food Inspection Agency - The Biology of Linum usitatissimum L. (Flax)</a></li> <li><a class="external" href="https://hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/afcm/flax.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener ">Purdue University - NewCROP - Flax</a></li> <li><a class="external" href="https://extension.oregonstate.edu/sites/extd8/files/documents/em8952.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener ">Oregon State University Extension - Flax (PDF)</a></li> <li><a class="external" href="https://bmcplantbiol.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12870-019-1641-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener ">BMC - BMC Plant Biology - Flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) response to non-optimal soil acidity and zinc deficiency</a></li> <li><a class="external" href="https://www.drugs.com/mtm/flax.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener ">Drugs.com - Flax</a></li> <li><a class="external" href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/plant-science/articles/10.3389/fpls.2019.00411/full" target="_blank" rel="noopener ">Frontiers - Flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) Fibers for Composite Reinforcement: Exploring the Link Between Plant Growth, Cell Walls Development, and Fiber Properties</a></li> </ul> </div> <div class="md-websites-ebk-title">Britannica Websites</div> <div class="md-websites-ebk-subtitle">Articles from Britannica Encyclopedias for elementary and high school students.</div> <ul class="list-unstyled bps-topic-web-sites lh-lg"> <li><a class="external" href="https://kids.britannica.com/students/article/flax/274333" target="_blank" rel="noopener">flax - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up)</a></li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="toc-header-marker"></div> <button class="ai-ask-button btn btn-sm border-2 btn-outline-red-400 border-red-400 d-none mr-0 mr-lg-10 ml-5 ml-sm-10 ml-lg-0 p-10 px-sm-5 px-md-10 js-header-ai-ask-button"> Ask the Chatbot a Question </button> <div class="caption alternate-titles">Also known as: Linum usitatissimum, common flax</div> <div class="md-byline module-spacing "> <div class="font-serif font-12"> <span class="written-by text-gray-700"> Written and fact-checked by </span> <div class="editor-popover popover p-0"> <a class="d-block p-20 qa-editor-popup gtm-byline font-12 byline-contributor" href="/editor/The-Editors-of-Encyclopaedia-Britannica/4419" > <div class="editor-title font-16 font-weight-bold">The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica</div> <div class="editor-description font-12 font-serif mt-5 text-black">Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors.</div> </a> <div data-popper-arrow></div> </div> <span class="btn btn-link editor-link p-0 qa-byline-link gtm-byline font-12 byline-contributor text-decoration-underline"> The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica</span></div> <div class="last-updated font-12 font-serif"> <span class="text-gray-700"> Last Updated: <time datetime="2025-03-21T00:00:00CDT" >Mar 21, 2025</time> •</span> <a class="byline-edit-history" href="https://www.britannica.com/plant/flax/additional-info#history" rel="nofollow">Article History</a> </div></div> </div> <button class="d-flex d-lg-none btn btn-outline-blue border rounded-sm shadow-sm mobile-toc-button gtm-mobile-toc-inline-button d-none d-sm-block js-sections-inline-button module-spacing btn d-lg-none"> <em class="material-icons mr-5 ml-n10 my-n5 md-icon" data-icon="toc"></em> Table of Contents </button> <div class="d-flex d-sm-none flex-row"> <button class="d-flex d-lg-none btn btn-outline-blue border rounded-sm shadow-sm mobile-toc-button gtm-mobile-toc-inline-button js-sections-inline-button module-spacing"> <em class="material-icons mr-5 ml-n10 my-n5 md-icon" data-icon="toc"></em> Table of Contents </button> <button class="ai-ask-button btn btn-sm border-2 btn-outline-red-400 border-red-400 module-spacing js-inline-ai-ask-button p-10 ml-5"> Ask the Chatbot </button> </div> <div class="js-qf-module qf-module px-40 px-sm-20 py-15 mx-auto module-spacing font-14 bg-gray-50 rounded"> <div class="facts-list mt-10"> <div class=""> <div class="js-fact mb-10 line-clamp clamp-3"> <dl> <dt>Related Topics: </dt> <dd><a href="/topic/linseed" topicid="342615">flaxseed</a></dd> <dd><a href="/science/linseed-oil" topicid="342617">linseed oil</a></dd> <dd><a href="/technology/bast-fiber" topicid="55561">bast fibre</a></dd> <dd><a href="/technology/linen" topicid="342277">linen</a></dd> <dd><a href="/plant/Linum" topicid="342640">Linum</a></dd> </dl> <button class="js-more-btn d-none btn btn-unstyled font-12 bg-gray-50" aria-label="Toggle more/less fact data"> <em class="js-content link-blue">(Show more)</em> </button> </div> </div> <div class=""> <div class="js-fact mb-10 line-clamp clamp-3"> <dl> <dt>On the Web: </dt> <dd><a href="https://bmcplantbiol.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12870-019-1641-1" target="_blank">BMC - BMC Plant Biology - Flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) response to non-optimal soil acidity and zinc deficiency</a> (Mar. 19, 2025)</dd> </dl> <button class="js-more-btn d-none btn btn-unstyled font-12 bg-gray-50" aria-label="Toggle more/less fact data"> <em class="js-content link-blue">(Show more)</em> </button> </div> <div class="text-center"> <a class="btn btn-sm btn-link p-0" href="/facts/flax"> See all related content </a> </div> </div> </div> </div><span class="marker before-article"></span><section data-level="1" id="ref1"><span class="marker PREMOD1 mod-inline"></span><p class="topic-paragraph"><strong><span id="ref195163"></span>flax</strong>, (<em>Linum usitatissimum</em>), <a href="https://www.britannica.com/plant/angiosperm" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">flowering plant</a> <a class="md-dictionary-link md-dictionary-tt-off mw" data-term="cultivated" href="https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cultivated" data-type="MW">cultivated</a> both for its <a href="https://www.britannica.com/technology/fiber-technology" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">fiber</a>, from which <span id="ref195164"></span><a href="https://www.britannica.com/technology/linen" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">linen</a> <a href="https://www.britannica.com/technology/yarn-fibre" class="md-crosslink autoxref " data-show-preview="true">yarn</a> and fabric are made, and for its nutritious seeds, called <a href="https://www.britannica.com/topic/linseed" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">flaxseed</a> or linseed, from which <span id="ref195165"></span><a href="https://www.britannica.com/science/linseed-oil" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">linseed oil</a> is obtained. Though flax has lost some of its value as a commercial fiber crop owing to the availability of <a class="md-dictionary-link md-dictionary-tt-off mw" data-term="synthetic" href="https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/synthetic" data-type="MW">synthetic</a> fibers, flaxseed has grown in popularity as a health food, and flax remains economically significant in a number of countries around the world, including <a href="https://www.britannica.com/place/China" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">China</a>, <a href="https://www.britannica.com/place/Russia" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">Russia</a>, and <a href="https://www.britannica.com/place/Canada" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">Canada</a>.</p><span class="marker MOD1 mod-inline"></span><div class="feature-block callout"><div class="font-weight-bold">Taxonomy</div><ul class="list-none "><li><div><strong>Kingdom:</strong> <a href="https://www.britannica.com/plant/plant" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">Plantae</a></div></li><li><div><strong>Division:</strong> <a href="https://www.britannica.com/plant/angiosperm" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">Angiosperm</a></div></li><li><div><strong>Order:</strong> <a href="https://www.britannica.com/plant/Malpighiales" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">Malpighiales</a></div></li><li><div><strong>Family:</strong> <a href="https://www.britannica.com/plant/Linaceae" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">Linaceae</a></div></li><li><div><strong>Genus:</strong> <em>Linum</em></div></li></ul><p class="topic-paragraph"><em>See also</em> <a href="https://www.britannica.com/science/list-of-plant-fibres-2076241" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">list of plant fibers</a></p></div></section> <span class="marker h2"></span><section data-level="1" id="ref341742"> <h2 class="h1">Physical description</h2> <span class="marker PREMOD2 mod-inline"></span><div class="assemblies"><div class="w-100 assembly-container"><figure class="md-assembly m-0 mb-md-0 card card-borderless print-false" data-assembly-id="202746" data-asm-type="image"><div class="md-assembly-wrapper card-media" data-type="image"><a href="https://cdn.britannica.com/20/182620-050-AB1BE20F/plant-Flax-bloom-fibres-seeds.jpg" class="gtm-assembly-link position-relative d-flex align-items-center justify-content-center media-overlay-link card-media" data-href="/media/1/209841/202746"><picture><source media="(min-width: 680px)" srcset="https://cdn.britannica.com/20/182620-050-AB1BE20F/plant-Flax-bloom-fibres-seeds.jpg?w=300"><img src="https://cdn.britannica.com/20/182620-050-AB1BE20F/plant-Flax-bloom-fibres-seeds.jpg?w=300" alt="Flax" data-width="664" data-height="1000" loading="eager"></picture><button class="magnifying-glass btn btn-circle position-absolute shadow btn-white top-10 right-10" aria-label="Zoom in"><em class="material-icons link-blue" data-icon="zoom_in"></em></button></a></div><figcaption class="card-body"><div class="md-assembly-caption text-muted font-14 font-serif line-clamp"><span><a class="gtm-assembly-link md-assembly-title font-weight-bold d-inline font-sans-serif mr-5 media-overlay-link" href="https://cdn.britannica.com/20/182620-050-AB1BE20F/plant-Flax-bloom-fibres-seeds.jpg" data-href="/media/1/209841/202746">Flax</a><span>Cheerful blue flax (<em>Linum usitatissimum</em>) flowers. The plant is grown for its useful fibers as well as for its nutritious edible seeds.</span><button class="js-more-btn d-none btn btn-unstyled font-12 bg-white js-content" aria-label="Toggle more/less fact data"><span class="link-blue">(more)</span></button></span></div></figcaption></figure></div></div><p class="topic-paragraph">Flax is a herbaceous <a href="https://www.britannica.com/science/annual" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">annual</a>. When densely planted for fiber, plants average 0.9 to 1.2 meters (3 to 4 feet) in height, with slender stalks 2.5 to 4 mm (about 0.10 to 0.15 inch) in diameter and with branches concentrated at the top. Plants cultivated for <a href="https://www.britannica.com/science/seed-plant-reproductive-part" class="md-crosslink autoxref " data-show-preview="true">seed</a> are shorter and many-branched. The <a href="https://www.britannica.com/science/leaf-plant-anatomy" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">leaves</a>, alternating on the stalk, are small and lance-shaped. The <a href="https://www.britannica.com/science/flower" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">flowers</a>, borne on stems growing from the branch tips, have five petals, usually blue in color but sometimes white or pink. The <a href="https://www.britannica.com/science/fruit-plant-reproductive-body" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">fruits</a> are small dry <a href="https://www.britannica.com/science/capsule-plant" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">capsules</a> composed of five lobes.</p><span class="marker MOD2 mod-inline"></span> <span class="marker PREMOD3 mod-inline"></span><div class="assemblies"><div class="w-100 assembly-container"><figure class="md-assembly m-0 mb-md-0 card card-borderless print-false" data-assembly-id="748" data-asm-type="image"><div class="md-assembly-wrapper card-media" data-type="image"><a href="https://cdn.britannica.com/03/6403-050-5A925442/flax-Hrodna-Belarus.jpg" class="gtm-assembly-link position-relative d-flex align-items-center justify-content-center media-overlay-link card-media" data-href="/media/1/209841/748"><picture><source media="(min-width: 680px)" srcset="https://cdn.britannica.com/03/6403-050-5A925442/flax-Hrodna-Belarus.jpg?w=300"><img src="https://cdn.britannica.com/03/6403-050-5A925442/flax-Hrodna-Belarus.jpg?w=300" alt="Belarus" data-width="1289" data-height="850" loading="eager"></picture><button class="magnifying-glass btn btn-circle position-absolute shadow btn-white top-10 right-10" aria-label="Zoom in"><em class="material-icons link-blue" data-icon="zoom_in"></em></button></a></div><figcaption class="card-body"><div class="md-assembly-caption text-muted font-14 font-serif line-clamp"><span><a class="gtm-assembly-link md-assembly-title font-weight-bold d-inline font-sans-serif mr-5 media-overlay-link" href="https://cdn.britannica.com/03/6403-050-5A925442/flax-Hrodna-Belarus.jpg" data-href="/media/1/209841/748">Belarus</a><span>Harvesting flax near Hrodna, in western Belarus.</span><button class="js-more-btn d-none btn btn-unstyled font-12 bg-white js-content" aria-label="Toggle more/less fact data"><span class="link-blue">(more)</span></button></span></div></figcaption></figure></div></div><p class="topic-paragraph">The plant is adaptable to a variety of <a href="https://www.britannica.com/science/soil" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">soils</a> and climates but grows best in well-drained sandy <a href="https://www.britannica.com/science/loam" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">loam</a> and in <a class="md-dictionary-link md-dictionary-tt-off eb" data-term="temperate" href="https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/temperate" data-type="EB">temperate</a> climates. In most areas planting of the same land with flax is limited to once in six years to avoid <a href="https://www.britannica.com/science/soil" class="md-crosslink autoxref " data-show-preview="true">soil</a> exhaustion. Cool moist growing seasons produce the most-desirable fiber.</p><a class="link-module shadow-sm d-block qa-quiz-module" href="/quiz/plants-from-cute-to-carnivorous" data-link-module-iframe-link=""> <img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn.britannica.com/71/166071-131-35933486/Venus-flytrap-one-fly-trap-meat-eating-plants.jpg" alt="Venus's-flytrap. Venus's-flytrap (Dionaea muscipula) one of the best known of the meat-eating plants. Carnivorous plant, Venus flytrap, Venus fly trap" class="rounded-sm mr-15" width="70" /> <div class="line-clamp clamp-5"> <div class="module-title bg-green">Britannica Quiz</div> <div class="font-weight-semi-bold mt-5">Plants: From Cute to Carnivorous</div> </div> </a><span class="marker MOD3 mod-inline"></span> </section> <span class="marker h3"></span><section data-level="1" id="ref341743"> <h2 class="h1">Textile fiber</h2> <span class="marker PREMOD4 mod-inline"></span><p class="topic-paragraph">A <a href="https://www.britannica.com/technology/bast-fiber" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">bast fiber</a>, flax is one of the oldest <a href="https://www.britannica.com/topic/textile" class="md-crosslink autoxref " data-show-preview="true">textile</a> fibers. Evidence of its use has been found in the prehistoric lake dwellings of <a href="https://www.britannica.com/place/Switzerland" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">Switzerland</a>. Fine linen fabrics, indicating a high degree of skill, have been discovered in <a href="https://www.britannica.com/place/ancient-Egypt" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">ancient Egyptian</a> tombs. <a href="https://www.britannica.com/place/Phoenicia" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">Phoenician</a> traders apparently brought linen from the Mediterranean area to <a href="https://www.britannica.com/place/Gaul-ancient-region-Europe" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">Gaul</a> and <a href="https://www.britannica.com/place/United-Kingdom" class="md-crosslink autoxref " data-show-preview="true">Britain</a>, and the Romans introduced linen manufacture throughout their empire. In the 17th century the German states and Russia were major sources of raw material, and the linen <a href="https://www.britannica.com/money/industry" class="md-crosslink autoxref " data-show-preview="true">industry</a> was established in the <a href="https://www.britannica.com/place/Netherlands" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">Netherlands</a>, <a href="https://www.britannica.com/place/Ireland" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">Ireland</a>, <a href="https://www.britannica.com/place/England" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">England</a>, and <a href="https://www.britannica.com/place/Scotland" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">Scotland</a>. In <a href="https://www.britannica.com/place/North-America" class="md-crosslink autoxref " data-show-preview="true">North America</a> the expansion of the <a href="https://www.britannica.com/topic/cotton-fibre-and-plant" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">cotton</a> industry reduced the importance of linen.</p><span class="marker MOD4 mod-inline"></span> <span class="marker PREMOD5 mod-inline"></span><p class="topic-paragraph">Harvesting the fiber usually takes place after the lower portion of the stalk has turned yellow but before the <a href="https://www.britannica.com/science/fruit-plant-reproductive-body" class="md-crosslink autoxref " data-show-preview="true">fruit</a> is fully mature. The fiber is obtained by subjecting the stalks to a series of operations, including <span id="ref1263070"></span><a href="https://www.britannica.com/technology/retting" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">retting</a> (the use of moisture and microorganisms to <a class="md-dictionary-link md-dictionary-tt-off eb" data-term="dissolve" href="https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/dissolve" data-type="EB">dissolve</a> the tissues surrounding the fibers), drying, crushing, and beating.</p><span class="marker MOD5 mod-inline"></span> <span class="marker PREMOD6 mod-inline"></span><p class="topic-paragraph">fiber color ranges from buff to gray, with the best qualities creamy white. The fiber strands, which measure about 30 to 75 cm (12 to 30 inches) long, are made up of individual cylindrically shaped <a href="https://www.britannica.com/science/sclerenchyma" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">sclerenchyma cells</a> with fairly smooth surfaces. Fine grades of flax fibers are made into woven fabrics and laces for apparel and household furnishings. Lower grades are used for products requiring strength and the ability to withstand moisture—such as <a href="https://www.britannica.com/topic/canvas" class="md-crosslink autoxref " data-show-preview="true">canvas</a>, twine, fire hoses, bagging, industrial sewing thread, and fish nets.</p><span class="marker MOD6 mod-inline"></span> <span class="marker PREMOD7 mod-inline"></span><div class="assemblies"><div class="w-100 assembly-container"><figure class="md-assembly m-0 mb-md-0 card card-borderless print-false" data-assembly-id="238166" data-asm-type="image"><div class="md-assembly-wrapper card-media" data-type="image"><a href="https://cdn.britannica.com/65/196965-050-4D993F86/Linen-fabric-flax-fibres.jpg" class="gtm-assembly-link position-relative d-flex align-items-center justify-content-center media-overlay-link card-media" data-href="/media/1/209841/238166"><picture><source media="(min-width: 680px)" srcset="https://cdn.britannica.com/65/196965-050-4D993F86/Linen-fabric-flax-fibres.jpg?w=300"><img src="https://cdn.britannica.com/65/196965-050-4D993F86/Linen-fabric-flax-fibres.jpg?w=300" alt="linen" data-width="1600" data-height="1102" loading="eager"></picture><button class="magnifying-glass btn btn-circle position-absolute shadow btn-white top-10 right-10" aria-label="Zoom in"><em class="material-icons link-blue" data-icon="zoom_in"></em></button></a></div><figcaption class="card-body"><div class="md-assembly-caption text-muted font-14 font-serif line-clamp"><span><a class="gtm-assembly-link md-assembly-title font-weight-bold d-inline font-sans-serif mr-5 media-overlay-link" href="https://cdn.britannica.com/65/196965-050-4D993F86/Linen-fabric-flax-fibres.jpg" data-href="/media/1/209841/238166">linen</a><span>Linen fabric, made from flax fibers.</span><button class="js-more-btn d-none btn btn-unstyled font-12 bg-white js-content" aria-label="Toggle more/less fact data"><span class="link-blue">(more)</span></button></span></div></figcaption></figure></div></div><p class="topic-paragraph">Linen is valued for its strength, luster, durability, and moisture absorbency. It is resistant to attack by microorganisms, and its smooth surface repels dirt. It is stronger than <a href="https://www.britannica.com/topic/cotton-fibre-and-plant" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">cotton</a>, dries more quickly, and is more slowly affected by exposure to sunlight. It can be bleached to a pure white but <a href="https://www.britannica.com/technology/dye-transfer-process" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">dyeing</a> is somewhat difficult because the fibers are not readily penetrated. Although linen increases in strength when wet, the excessive use of alkalies in laundering can weaken the fibers. Low elasticity, <a class="md-dictionary-link md-dictionary-tt-off eb" data-term="imparting" href="https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/imparting" data-type="EB">imparting</a> hard, smooth texture, also makes linen subject to wrinkling, which can be reduced by chemical treatment. Because linen absorbs and releases moisture quickly and is a good conductor of heat, linen garments have a cooling effect on the wearer.</p><div class="module-spacing"> <DIV class="marketing-INLINE_SUBSCRIPTION marketing-content" data-marketing-id="INLINE_SUBSCRIPTION"><style> .student-promo-banner-wrapper { container-type: inline-size; margin-bottom: 15px; } @container (min-width: 475px) { .student-promo-banner { flex-direction: row; } .student-promo-banner-img-wrapper { margin-bottom: 0; margin-right: 10px; justify-content: flex-start; } .student-promo-banner-text-wrapper { text-align: left; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 10px; } .student-promo-banner-button-wrapper { margin-right: 0; } }</style> <div class="student-promo-banner-wrapper"> <div class="student-promo-banner d-flex flex-column align-items-center bg-blue rounded p-20"> <div class="student-promo-banner-img-wrapper mb-20 mr-0 d-flex justify-content-center"> <img class="rounded" style="max-width: 100px; min-width: 80px" src="https://cdn.britannica.com/marketing/BlueThistle.webp" /> </div> <div class="student-promo-banner-text-wrapper ml-0 mb-10 text-center text-white"> <div class="h2 mb-10">Get Unlimited Access</div> <div class="h4 font-weight-semi-bold">Try Britannica Premium for free and discover more.</div> </div> <div class="student-promo-banner-button-wrapper d-flex justify-content-center align-items-center ml-auto mr-auto"> <a class="btn btn-m btn-orange" href="https://premium.britannica.com/premium-membership/?utm_source=premium&utm_medium=inline-cta&utm_campaign=august-2024">Subscribe</a> </div> </div> </div> </DIV></div><span class="marker MOD7 mod-inline"></span> </section> <span class="marker h4"></span><section data-level="1" id="ref341744"> <h2 class="h1"><span id="ref1263069"></span><a href="https://www.britannica.com/topic/linseed" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">Flaxseed</a></h2> <span class="marker PREMOD8 mod-inline"></span><p class="topic-paragraph"><a href="https://www.britannica.com/topic/linseed" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">Flaxseed</a> is a rich source of the omega-3 <a href="https://www.britannica.com/science/fatty-acid" class="md-crosslink autoxref " data-show-preview="true">fatty acid</a> alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) and is high in a class of phytoestrogens known as lignans. It is also high in <a href="https://www.britannica.com/science/dietary-fiber" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">dietary fiber</a>, <a href="https://www.britannica.com/science/protein" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">protein</a>, <a href="https://www.britannica.com/science/iron-chemical-element" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">iron</a>, <a href="https://www.britannica.com/science/calcium" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">calcium</a>, <a href="https://www.britannica.com/science/manganese" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">manganese</a>, <a href="https://www.britannica.com/science/thiamin" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">thiamin</a>, <a href="https://www.britannica.com/science/magnesium" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">magnesium</a>, <a href="https://www.britannica.com/science/phosphorus-chemical-element" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">phosphorus</a>, and <a href="https://www.britannica.com/science/copper" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">copper</a>. The seeds can be eaten raw or toasted; added ground or whole to salads, morning cereal, and smoothies; or incorporated into baked goods.</p><div class="one-good-fact-module"> </div><span class="marker MOD8 mod-inline"></span> <span class="marker PREMOD9 mod-inline"></span><p class="topic-paragraph">Linseed oil, derived from the seeds, is used in the production of paints, printing inks, <a href="https://www.britannica.com/technology/linoleum" class="md-crosslink " data-show-preview="true">linoleum</a>, varnish, and oilcloth. It has the highest level of ALA of any <a href="https://www.britannica.com/science/vegetable-oil" class="md-crosslink autoxref " data-show-preview="true">vegetable oil</a>, and food-grade linseed oil is sometimes taken as a <a href="https://www.britannica.com/science/nutritional-supplement" class="md-crosslink autoxref " data-show-preview="true">nutritional supplement</a>. It also can be used in cooking, though it is somewhat unstable and goes <a class="md-dictionary-link md-dictionary-tt-off eb" data-term="rancid" href="https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/rancid" data-type="EB">rancid</a> quickly.</p><span class="marker MOD9 mod-inline"></span> <span class="md-signature font-12"><a href="/editor/The-Editors-of-Encyclopaedia-Britannica/4419">The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica</a></span> </section><span class="md-signature font-12">This article was most recently revised and updated by <a href="/editor/melissa-petruzzello/9400228">Melissa Petruzzello</a>.</span><span class="marker end-of-content"></span><span class="marker after-article"></span></div> <div id="chatbot-simplify-root"></div> <div id="chatbot-root"></div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="ai-dialog-placeholder"></div> </div> </div> <aside class="col-md-da-320"></aside> </div> </div> </div> </div> </article> </div> </div> </div> </div> </main> <div id="md-footer"></div> <noscript><iframe src="//www.googletagmanager.com/ns.html?id=GTM-5W6NC8" height="0" width="0" style="display:none;visibility:hidden"></iframe></noscript>  <script> window.ap3c = window.ap3c || {}; var ap3c = window.ap3c; ap3c.cmd = ap3c.cmd || []; ap3c.cmd.push(function() { ap3c.init('ZO4siT4cLwnykPnzZWJtd3Byb2Q', 'https://engage.email.britannica.com/'); ap3c.track({v: 0}); }); ap3c.activity = function(act) { ap3c.act = (ap3c.act || []); ap3c.act.push(act); }; var s, t; s = document.createElement('script'); s.type = 'text/javascript'; s.src = "https://engage.email.britannica.com/app.js"; t = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; t.parentNode.insertBefore(s, t); </script> <script class="marketing-page-info" type="application/json"> {"pageType":"Topic","templateName":"DESKTOP","pageNumber":1,"pagesTotal":1,"pageId":209841,"pageLength":716,"initialLoad":true,"lastPageOfScroll":false} </script> <script class="marketing-content-info" type="application/json"> [] </script> <script src="https://cdn.britannica.com/mendel-resources/3-134/js/libs/jquery-3.5.0.min.js?v=3.134.26"></script> <script type="text/javascript" data-type="Init Mendel Code Splitting"> (function() { $.ajax({ dataType: 'script', cache: true, url: 'https://cdn.britannica.com/mendel-resources/3-134/dist/topic-page.js?v=3.134.26' }); })(); </script> <script class="analytics-metadata" type="application/json"> {"leg":"B","adLeg":"B","userType":"ANONYMOUS","pageType":"Topic","pageSubtype":null,"articleTemplateType":"MEDIUM","gisted":false,"pageNumber":1,"hasSummarizeButton":false,"hasAskButton":true,"hasAiTopQuestions":false,"hasSimplifyButton":false} </script> <script type="text/javascript"> EBStat={accountId:-1,hostnameOverride:'webstats.eb.com',domain:'www.britannica.com', json:''}; </script> <script type="text/javascript"> ( function() { $.ajax( { dataType: 'script', cache: true, url: '//www.britannica.com/webstats/mendelstats.js?v=1' } ) .done( function() { try {writeStat(null,EBStat);} catch(err){} } ); })(); </script> <div id="bc-fixed-dialogue"></div> </body> </html>

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Flax | Description, Fiber, Flaxseed, Uses, & Facts | Britannica