Weld

Roseda luteola, Dyers Rocket, Dyers Weed

Originating from the Middle East, North Africa and the Mediterranean, this natural dye plant has naturalized throughout Europe and many areas of North America. This useful plant has been traditionally used as a brilliant yellow fabric dye and as a pigment for oil paint since Roman times! The entire aerial parts of the plants were used. Apparently, one of its appeals was the distinct fragrance of the plant which was often favored to cover up other unsavory smells of old Europe! Best known as a staple natural dye plant for various hues of yellows and when combined with the dyeplant Woad some lovely green hues can be produced. Will form a thick rosette of narrow green leaves the first year and sending up tall stalks that can reach 5 feet. Flowering pale whitish-yellow. Harvest the tops the second year as they are going to seed. Easy to grow. Prefers full or partial sun and well drained soils. An herbaceous Biennial, hardiness zones 5-9