OtterKnow Kids Encyclopedia

Flax is a plant with pretty blue flowers that people have been growing for over 10,000 years, making it one of the oldest crops in the whole world! The plant grows tall, thin stems that are full of long, strong fibers hidden inside. Flax gives us clothes, food, and art supplies all from one little plant!

The fibers inside the stems are combed out and spun into thread to make a smooth, cool fabric called linen. Flax also grows small, shiny brown seeds called flaxseeds. The blue flowers only bloom for one day before their petals fall off, but a whole field of flax looks like a beautiful blue ocean.