Scientific Name
Linum usitatissimum
Common Name
Flax

TOXIC ONLY IF LARGE QUANTITIES EATEN. SKIN IRRITATION MINOR, OR LASTING ONLY FOR A FEW MINUTES.

Characteristics

Family
Linaceae
Plant Description
Slender, erect, annual herb; leaves simple, alternate, narrow, smooth-margined; flowers pale blue, 5-parted, the petals broad and spreading; fruit a capsule.
Origin
Europe.
Distribution
Throughout.
Where Found
Weedy in disturbed areas, along roadsides and railroad tracks, naturalized.
Mode
Ingestion, dermatitis.
Poisonous Part
All parts.
Symptoms
Linseed oil may cause skin irritation upon contact. Ingestion causes difficulty of breathing, paralysis, and convulsions.
Toxic Principle
Cyanogenic glycoside (linomarin).
Severity
TOXIC ONLY IF LARGE QUANTITIES EATEN. SKIN IRRITATION MINOR, OR LASTING ONLY FOR A FEW MINUTES.

"Poisonous Plants of North Carolina," Dr. Alice B. Russell, Department of Horticultural Science; Dr. James W. Hardin, Botany; Dr. Larry Grand, Plant Pathology; and Dr. Angela Fraser, Family and Consumer Sciences; North Carolina State University. All Pictures Copyright @1997Alice B. Russell, James W. Hardin, Larry Grand. Computer programming, Miguel A. Buendia; graphics, Brad Capel.

Disclaimer: The list of poisonous plants on this web site does not necessarily include every poisonous plant that is known, or that might be found in an urban landscape or home. North Carolina State University does not advise eating any of the plants included in this web site. The information concerning edibility is taken from the literature, and the degree of reliability is unknown. We discourage the use of any of these plants for self medication. In cases of accidental exposure or ingestion, contact the Poison Control Center 1-800-222-1222.

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