Weld (Reseda luteola): Historic Yellow Dye Plant

Overview

Weld (Reseda luteola), also called dyer's rocket or dyer's broom, is a biennial plant historically cultivated as the premier source of yellow dye for textiles in Europe. It has a rosette of narrow leaves and tall, spike-like inflorescences.

Botanical Details

Historical and Modern Uses

Dye extracted from leaves and stems. Used with woad (blue) to make Lincoln green. Today grown by natural dyers and for historical gardens. Biennial; flowers in second year. Self-seeds.