Flax (Linum usitatissimum)- Mentioned in Isaiah 19:9, Exodus 9:31, Proverbs 31:13 and Isaiah 42:3/Matthew 12:20, etc. A perennial herb, growing to 3 ft., with oily brown seeds, and native to Europe and Asia. The erect, slender, glabrous stem has few branches and bears alternate, sessile, simple, entire, and lanceolate to oblong leaves. Each branch has one or two blue or violet-blue, five-petaled flowers. Flax flowers from June to August.

The fibers from the stalk of the flax plant were woven into linen; the seeds were used in livestock feed, and oil from the seeds (linseed oil) was used in paint and linoleum. The Bible tells us that this plant's fibers were the primary source of clothing for biblical characters. In the New Testament, Christ was wrapped in linen as He lay in His tomb. In the Middle Ages, flax flowers were believed to be a protection against sorcery. Flax seed is now a valuable source for herbalist usage. Although, if taken in large quantities the seeds can cause seizures resulting in death.

Source: NutritionBlvd.com

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Photo Courtesy of Bluestone Perennials