What plant is the source of linseed oil?

Linseed oil is derived from the seeds of the flax plant. Flax (Linum usitatissimum) is widely known for its fibers and seeds, both of which have significant agricultural and nutritional value. The seeds contain a high percentage of oil, which is extracted to produce linseed oil. This oil is characterized by its high content of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an omega-3 fatty acid, making it popular in various applications, including painting, wood finishing, and dietary supplementation.

The other options, while they are all sources of different oils, do not produce linseed oil. Soybeans and canola are known for their oils as well, but they are completely different plants with distinct oil profiles and uses. Sunflowers are cultivated for sunflower oil, which has a different fatty acid composition. Understanding the source of linseed oil reinforces knowledge about plant biology and the diversity of agricultural products.