Weld, Dyer's Rocket
Reseda luteola
Family: Resedaceae
What it is like
A common weed in North America Reseda luteola grows best in well-drained, neutral to slightly alkaline soils, in a sunny or semi-shaded position. A high-quality yellow dye is made from the seed. Mixed with the blue from woad (Isatis tinctoria) it produces greens such as Lincoln green. It has fallen into disuse with modern chemical dyes. Reseda luteola also has mild narcotic medicinal uses. Common names include dyer's rocket, dyer's weed, weld, woold, and yellow weed.
Reseda luteola is a BIENNIAL growing to 1.5 m (5ft) by 0.5 m (1ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from June to August, and the seeds ripen from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, insects. The plant is self-fertile. It is noted for attracting wildlife. 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 and can grow in very alkaline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 1.5
Where it is found
Disturbed ground, arable land, walls etc, especially on calcareous soils.
Europe, including Britain, from Sweden south and east to N. Africa and W. Asia.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Oil: Oil
Medicine
Rating: 1
Narcotic (mild).
Narcotic: Relieves pain, induces drowsiness and gives a sense of well-being.
Other
Rating: 3
A deep yellow dye is obtained from the plant, it is of very good quality. The plant is harvested as the last flowers fade. Most of the dye is found in the seed. An oil is obtained from the seed, used in lighting.
Dye: Plants that provide dyes.
Oil: Vegetable oils have many uses, as lubricants, lighting, soap and paint making, waterproofing etc. This does not include the edible oils unless they are also mentioned as having other uses.
Attracts Wildlife: Plants noted for attracting wildlife
How it is grown
Easily grown in any well-drained neutral to slightly alkaline soil in a sunny position or in some shade if the summers are long and hot. At one time this plant was commonly cultivated for the dye obtained from the leaves and seed but with the advent of chemical dyes it has fallen into disuse. A good plant for bees and butterflies. Plants dislike root disturbance, they can be transplanted but care must be taken not to break the tap root.
Propagating it: Seed - sow in situ in the spring and only just cover the seed. An autumn sowing usually succeeds in areas where winter temperatures do not fall below about -10°c. The seed germinates in the autumn in the wild.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds; East Wall. In. South Wall. In. West Wall. In.
Habit: Biennial
Hardiness: 5-9
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Moist
Things to keep in mind
Its other names
Local names
Common names include dyer's rocket, dyer's weed, weld, woold, and yellow weed.