◆Flaxseed (also known as common flax or linseed), with the binomial name Linum usitatissimum, is a member of the genus Linum in the family Linaceae. It is a food and fiber crop that is cultivated in cooler regions of the world.

◆Several other species in the genus Linum are similar in appearance to Linum usitatissimum, cultivated flax, including some that have similar blue flowers, and others with white, yellow, or red flowers.Some of these are perennial plants, unlike L. usitatissimum, which is an annual plant.

◆The flowers are pure pale blue, 15–25mm diameter, with five petals. The fruit is a round, dry capsule5–9mm diameter, containing several glossy brown seeds shaped like an apple pip, 4–7mm long.