Woad

$9.50

New stock!

Description

Isatis tinctoria
Also known as Dyer’s Woad and Glastum. Important for centuries as the source of the blue dye indigo, though found in lower concentrations than in the true indigo plant which was discovered later. A great plant for the home dyer, frost hardy and suitable for full sun or part shade, with a little moisture beneficial. A biennial plant, a basal rosette is formed in the first year, with a single flower shoot to about 70 – 100 cm tall in summer, with panicles of airy yellow flowers.

As woad is a member of the brassica family it should not be planted where brassicas have recently grown.

Woad also has a long history of use as a medicinal plant in China (the roots containing the active part, known as Ban Lan Gen), and is currently being investigated for its anti-cancer properties.

9cm pot. Certified organic plant.

Freight:  full list of freight and packing charges

Main photo: wikimedia.commons.org

Others: flikr.com, Kahikatea Farm

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