Genista tinctoria Information
Genista tinctoria, also known as dyer's greenweed, is a perennial flowering plant in the Fabaceae family. It is native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa, and has been introduced to North America.
The plant grows up to 1.5 meters tall and has yellow, pea-like flowers that bloom in late spring and early summer. The leaves are small and needle-like, and the stems are green and woody.
Dyer's greenweed has historically been used to create a yellow dye for textiles, particularly wool. The plant contains a compound called genistein, which is responsible for its dyeing properties. It has also been used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including rheumatism and digestive issues.
Dyer's greenweed prefers sunny locations with well-drained soil and is tolerant of drought and poor soil conditions. It is sometimes considered a weed in agricultural areas, as it can compete with crops for resources.