Crimson flax (Linum grandiflorum, Fl. Atlant. 1: 278 (1798))

Family: Linaceae

Author: Desf.

Bibliography: Fl. Atlant. 1: 278 (1798)

Year: 1798

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Linum

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: Algeria to Tunisia

Description

Crimson flax, scientifically known as Linum grandiflorum, is a captivating flowering plant that belongs to the Linaceae family. This ornamental species was first formally described by Desf. in the renowned publication “Flora Atlantica” in 1798.

The natural range of crimson flax extends from Algeria to Tunisia, flourishing in the temperate climate and diverse ecosystems of North Africa. The plant is revered for its striking crimson blossoms, which not only beautify landscapes but also play a role in various ecological processes.

Crimson flax is often cultivated in gardens and landscapes for its aesthetic appeal. The vibrant red flowers are a magnet for pollinators, contributing to the health and sustainability of the garden ecosystem. The plant typically thrives in well-draining soil and requires full sun to achieve its optimal growth and flowering potential.

The allure of crimson flax is not solely based on its visual appeal; the species also holds cultural and botanical significance in its native regions. As a part of the rich flora of Algeria and Tunisia, Linum grandiflorum contributes to the biodiversity and natural heritage of these areas.

In conclusion, Linum grandiflorum, or crimson flax, is a remarkable plant that adds beauty and ecological value to its native habitats and cultivated gardens alike. Its striking flowers and adaptability make it a beloved choice among gardeners and plant enthusiasts.

Common Names

Eng: flowering flax, crimson flax, flowering-flax, red flax, scarlet flax
Deu: großblüten-lein, großblütiger lein
Dan: rød hør
Swe: blomsterlin
Fra: lin à grandes fleurs
Por: linho-de-alger
En: Crimson flax, Red flax, Scarlet flax, Flowering flax, Flowering-flax
Ar: كتان الزهور
Hy: Կտավատ խոշորածաղիկ
Bg: Едроцветен лен
Ca: Lli de flor gran
Zh: 大花亚麻
Cs: Len velkokvětý
Da: Rød hør
Fi: Punapellava
Fr: Lin à grandes fleurs
De: Roter Lein, Großblüten-Lein, Großblütiger Lein
Fa: کتان قرمز
Pt: Linho-de-alger
Ru: Лён крупноцветковый
Sk: Ľan veľkokvetý
Es: Lino de flor
Sv: Blomsterlin
Zh-hant: 大花亞麻
Uk: Льон великоквітковий

Synonyms

• Adenolinum grandiflorum ((Desf.) W.A.Weber)
• Linum grandiflorum var. purpureum (J.Dix)

Distribution

• Algeria (native)
• Tunisia (native)
• Alabama (introduced)
• Assam (introduced)
• Austria (introduced)
• Bangladesh (introduced)
• California (introduced)
• Colorado (introduced)
• East Aegean Is. (introduced)
• Florida (introduced)
• Great Britain (introduced)
• India (introduced)
• Kentucky (introduced)
• Krym (introduced)
• Nebraska (introduced)
• New York (introduced)
• Ohio (introduced)
• Pennsylvania (introduced)
• Primorye (introduced)
• South European Russi (introduced)
• Texas (introduced)
• Utah (introduced)

Additional Images

Fruit

Taken Nov 5, 2022 by regis74 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 24, 2016 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 8, 2022 by Tristan Jaton-Maria (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 29, 2019 by Valeriy (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 24, 2016 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Mar 31, 2022 by Miguel A. C. (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 4, 2022 by claudiaclaude (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 26, 2013 by Martin Bishop (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 28, 2021 by Sabina Hartmann (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 5, 2022 by Kai Best (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jul 4, 2022 by Kai Best (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 23, 2019 by Kerstin Kerstin (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 17, 2020 by robby (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 28, 2021 by Sabina Hartmann (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 5, 2022 by Kai Best (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Jun 2, 2019 by Margriet Mertens (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 1, 2019 by Angelika Block (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 23, 2019 by Clotilde ROMERO-BESEGHER (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 16, 2019 by Jozef Hanus (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 16, 2018 by Wolfgang Jauch (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Aug 12, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Jm LAUNAY (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jul 3, 2010 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 26, 2013 by Martin Bishop (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Other

Taken Aug 24, 2022 by Carsten Michaelis (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jul 11, 2020 by ahoii (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 29, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Pierre CROUZET (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 8, 2022 by Tristan Jaton-Maria (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2873926)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:140834-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Linum grandiflorum Desf.)

Specifications

Growth