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Genista tinctoria
Nitrogen-fixing deciduous perennial shrub native to heaths, open woodlands and meadows in Europe and Turkey. It grows to a height of 60-90cm, and has upright stems with inconspicuous leaves. It is not a particularly striking plant, however the loose clusters of bright yellow, pea-like flowers in spring and summer are bright and cheery and are extremely attractive to bees and butterflies.
As the name suggests, the plant yields dyes – both yellow and also a very good quality green when mixed with woad. The dye comes from all parts of the plant but predominantly the flowers. A fibre can also be obtained from the plant and a strong cloth was traditionally made from this in Spain and Italy. The flower buds are also edible and can be pickled like capers.
The plant has been used in popular medicine and herbalism for various complaints, including skin diseases, even in modern times. The medicinal parts are the twigs, leaves and flowering stems, which have are cathartic, diaphoretic, diuretic, emetic, stimulant and vasoconstrictor properties. It was from this plant that the anti-inflammatory isoflavone genistein was first isolated in 1899; hence the name of the chemical compound. The plant is harvested in early summer as it comes into flower and can be dried for later use.
Suitable for a sunny site, drought hardy. Useful early coloniser in a food forest system; will be shaded out eventually.
Certified organic one year old plant in 9cm pot.
Freight: full list of freight and packing charges
Main photo: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Dyer%27s_Greenweed_Monchique_Portugal_23.02.16_(25233185685).jpg
Others: commons.wikimedia.org
N.B. Shipping costs are added AFTER you have placed your order, you will then be emailed an invoice with bank details.
Smallest box rate:
This can fit up to 9 plants in 9cm pots.
Shipping a single tree can be expensive. We may be able to fit more in the box for the same price! See our shipping rates for single and multi tree boxes.
Combining sizes?
No problem, we will work out the best rate for you once you’ve placed your order.
Jo has a passion for growing herbs but is not a qualified herbalist and has no medical background.
We are lucky to have Patricia Beagle working here at times, who is qualified, and some of her advice does appear on these pages, but herbs act differently for different people and can interact with other medicines. We therefore always recommend that you consult with your own qualified health-care practitioner before using herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing or on any medications.
Kahikatea Farm cannot take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of the plants or a plant not having the effect it is reputed to have.
