Reinvigorating pollinators with perennial flax

Across Minnesota, pollinator species are a vital part of the natural and agricultural landscape. However, recent decades have seen a decline in pollinator populations and health. One major cause of this decline is the lack of suitable food resources, namely flowers. To maintain productivity and increase the profitability of agriculture in the state, the University of Minnesota is exploring perennial flax as a cash crop capable of meeting pollinator needs while providing sustainable sources of oilseed and fiber.

Perennial flax as food for pollinators

Perennial flax is a semi-evergreen, flowering plant commonly seen with numerous blue saucer-shaped flowers. With an early and long flowering period – from May to November – a field of these plants can provide local pollinator populations with food resources throughout the year. A research team under the direction of Neil Anderson, a Professor in the Department of Horticultural Science, is studying the pollinator benefits of perennial flax in the lab and across the state.

“We track visitation rates of several pollinator populations, but we are especially interested in honey bee visits for the potential benefit to honey production,” said Anderson. “My team is evaluating the timing of pollinator activity during the daytime as well as seasonally to determine if the crop is a primary pollinator attractant or if it's an alternative when no other crop is flowering.” Pollen and nectar components are also being studied to understand their impact on pollinator preferences. This process will paint a better picture of how and in what ways perennial flax benefits local pollinator populations, including native bees and flies.

They then continue testing these varieties in the field at farms and several Research and Outreach Centers (ROCs) across the state, including the North Central ROC in Grand Rapids, the Southwest ROC in Lamberton, the West Central ROC in Morris, and the Rosemount ROC. By studying perennial flax at these locations, Anderson’s team understands how the crop performs in variable weather and soil conditions, with different pollinator populations found in each region.

Perennial flax as cash crop for farmers

The flax team’s vision is to see perennial flax reintroduced to conventional cropping systems across Minnesota, which will reinvigorate pollinator populations in agricultural areas. For farmers, the crop also provides a new source of income from the oilseed and fiber harvested twice a year. Perennial flax is a good investment for farmers as it returns the following year, giving a larger return on that investment over time.

Anderson’s team breeds and tests different perennial flax to establish a crop that provides the highest yield for farmers and is a preferred pollen and nectar source for pollinators. While direct commercialization is still in progress, in several short years, flax will return to the Minnesota landscape to the benefit of local ecosystems and local economies.

“We’re working with a business development team to explore market options for the components found in perennial flax,” said Anderson. “Consumers want to know that their products are created from sustainable resources and farmers want to remain profitable. Perennial flax can meet both these desires.” 

From providing food for pollinators to a cash crop for farmers to sustainable fabrics and oils for consumers, perennial flax is a triple-hitter with far-reaching benefits.

Special thanks to U of M professors Marla Spivak, Clay Carter, Dan Cariveau, and USDA ARS Research Agronomist Carrie Eberle for their expertise in support of this project.

Funding for this project was provided by the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund as recommended by the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR).