Isatis tinctoria (Dyers Woad)

Cultivated in ancient times for its blue dye, Isatis tinctoria (Dyers Woad) is an upright biennial plant with large terminal clusters of bright golden-yellow flowers in early summer which turn into flattened, lantern-like, dark, decorative seed heads. On dry plants, they remain standing into winter, providing interesting silhouettes in the landscape. The flowers are borne on stalks that are branched at the top and clasped with long, blue-green leaves. Rich in dye, these leaves were collected and dried before being infused with lime water to produce the blue color. It was not only used for clothing but also by Celtic warriors to stain their bodies during battle. Isatis tinctoria was later replaced by indigo.

This plant grows one year, blooms and produces seed the second year then dies.

• Grows up to 3-4 ft. tall (90-120 cm) and 18 in. wide (45 cm).
• Thrives in full sun in average, dry to medium, well-drained soils.
• This plant is considered as a noxious weed outside its natural range in Europe, as it is effective at competing with indigenous species. If you do grow it for dye production, be sure to harvest the plants before they produce seed.
• Native to southern Russia, Woad is now found in southeastern and Central Europe and western North America. 
• Find where this species is invasive in the United States.
• Discover beautiful U.S. native plant alternatives.