Reseda luteola aka Weld

Taxonomy

Reseda luteola, also known as dyer's rocket, dyer's weed, weld, woold, and yellow weed, is an herbaceous biennial plant that is native to Europe and Western Asia, but can be found in North America as an introduced species and common weed. The plant can grow up to 5 feet tall and is little branched, except occasionally near the base during the second year. During the first year, it consists of a low-growing rosette of basal leaves that are narrowly ovate or oblanceolate and dark green. The plant is rich in luteolin, a flavonoid which produces a bright yellow dye, making it the most widely used source of the natural dye known as weld. The yellow dye could be mixed with the blue from woad (Isatis tinctoria) to produce greens such as Lincoln green. The stems terminate in spike-like racemes of yellowish-green flowers about ½–2' long, which are densely distributed in all directions along the length of the racemes. Dyer's Rocket is also a rare houseplant that needs regular watering to thrive and does best in abundant sunlight, less than 3 feet from a window.

Common names

Weld, Dyer's Rocket, Wild Mignonette

How to care for Weld

Difficulty

Weld is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal attention, making it an excellent choice for beginners.

Water

Weld should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Lighting

To ensure optimal growth, the Weld prefers bright diffused light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

Toxicity

Ploi does not possess verified information regarding the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event that you, a member of your family, or a pet ingests plant material with an unclear toxicity level, it is highly recommended to seek the advice of a medical professional.

Region of origin

Weld’s native range is Europe, including Britain, from Sweden south and east to N. Africa and W. Asia.


More info:
Wikipedia