Yellow Wort
Blackstonia perfoliata

Family: Gentianaceae

What it is like

Blackstonia perfoliata is a ANNUAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in). It is in flower from June to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Height (m): 0.5

Where it is found

Calcareous grassland and on dunes.

Europe, including Britain, south from Holland and Germany east to Morocco and W. Asia.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating: 1

A yellow dye is obtained from the plant extract.

Dye: Plants that provide dyes.

How it is grown

A native plant, we do not have any details on its cultivation but it should succeed in a summer meadow or in a sunny position in a well drained soil. It prefers calcareous soils in the wild.

Propagating it: Seed - sow early spring in seed pots in a cold frame and plant out as soon as the plants are large enough to handle. When well sited, the plant should self-sow. If you have sufficient seed it should be possible to sow the seed in situ in the spring.

Best place to grow: Meadow;

Habit: Annual

Hardiness:

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Chlora perfoliata.