Linum catharticum

Linum catharticum
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Malpighiales
Family: Linaceae
Genus: Linum
Species:
L. catharticum
Binomial name
Linum catharticum
Synonyms
  • Cathartolinum catharticum (L.) Small
  • Cathartolinum pratense Rchb. nom. illeg.
  • Nezera cathartica (L.) Nieuwl.

Linum catharticum, also known as purging flax, or fairy flax, is an herbaceous flowering plant in the family Linaceae, native to Great Britain, Iceland, central Europe and Western Asia. It is an annual plant and blooms in July and August.

It is a known host of the pathogenic fungus flax rust (Melampsora lini).