Woad
(Isatis tinctoria)
A hardy biennial
with blue/green leaves and yellow flowers growing to a height of 4ft
(1.2m). It
prefers a rich, well-drained soil in a sunny position although it
will tolerate shade. Can
be grown from seed sown in late summer.
Uses
Only ornamental now.
Ancient Britons used to extract a blue dye from the leaves, which
was used to paint their bodies and dye wool.
Last updated
21 December, 2003
© copyright 1999, P. A. Owen