Field Madder, Blue fieldmadder
Sherardia arvensis

Family: Rubiaceae

What it is like

Sherardia arvensis is a ANNUAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft). It is in flower from May to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Flies. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Height (m): 0.3

Where it is found

Bare and cultivated ground, arable fields and waste places throughout Britain, ascending to 350 metres in Scotland.

Most of Europe, including Britain, to the Mediterranean.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating: 1

A red or rose dye can be obtained from the plant.

How it is grown

Succeeds in a sunny position in most soils, and does well in hot dry positions where it frequently self-sows. This species can often become a weed in lawns. Plants often produce both hermaphrodite and either male or female flowers.

Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in situ.

Best place to grow: Meadow; Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Annual

Hardiness: 0-0

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

nomenclatural synonym: Galium sherardia