Isatis glauca
Family: Brassicaceae or Cruciferae
What it is like
Isatis glauca is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in flower in June. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 1
Where it is found
Steppe and fallow fields, 800 - 1750 metres in Turkey.
W. Asia.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating: 1
A blue dye is obtained from the leaves.
Dye: Plants that provide dyes.
How it is grown
Prefers a well-drained fertile soil in a sunny position. Succeeds in ordinary garden soil.
Propagating it: Seed - sow spring or autumn in situ or in an outdoor seedbed. If seed is in short supply then it might be better to sow it in a cold frame in the spring. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle, and plant out in early summer. Division in spring.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 6-9
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Moist