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Linum catharticum - L.

Common Name Purging Flax, Fairy flax
Family Linaceae
USDA hardiness Coming soon
Known Hazards Poisonous in large doses[21].
Habitats Grassland, dunes and moors[9], most commonly on calcareous grassland[17].
Range Europe, including Britain, from Iceland south and east to Spain the Caucasus and Iran.
Edibility Rating    (0 of 5)
Other Uses    (0 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (2 of 5)
Care (info)
Moist Soil Full sun
Linum catharticum Purging Flax, Fairy flax


http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Tigerente
Linum catharticum Purging Flax, Fairy flax
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Liunum_catharticum1.jpg

 

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Summary


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of flower
Linum catharticum is a ANNUAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft). It is in flower from June to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Flies. The plant is self-fertile.
Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils.
It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Habitats

 Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

None known

References   More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Anthelmintic  Diuretic  Emetic  Homeopathy  Purgative

Purging flax was often used in the past as a gentle laxative, and also for the treatment of muscular rheumatism, liver complaints, jaundice and catarrhal problems[4, 244], though it is seldom used in modern herbalism[244]. The whole herb is anthelmintic, diuretic, emetic and purgative[4, 9, 21, 46]. It is harvested in the summer as it comes into flower and can be dried for later use[4]. When used as a purgative it is generally taken with a carminative such as peppermint[4]. A homeopathic remedy is made from the plant. It is used in the treatment of bronchitis, piles and amenorrhoea[9].

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

None known

Special Uses

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Prefers a light well-drained moderately fertile humus-rich soil in a sunny sheltered position[200].

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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Propagation

Seed - sow early spring in situ.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Plant Search

Search over 900 plants ideal for food forests and permaculture gardens. Filter to search native plants to your area. The plants selected are the plants in our book 'Plants For Your Food Forest: 500 Plants for Temperate Food Forests and Permaculture Gardens, as well as plants chosen for our forthcoming related books for Tropical/Hot Wet Climates and Mediterranean/Hot Dry Climates. Native Plant Search

Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

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Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

 

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Botanical References

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Subject : Linum catharticum  
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