Dyer's greenweed, Waxen woad, Dyer's-broom, Woodwaxen
Genista tinctoria
Family: Fabaceae
What it is like
A shrub. It loses its leaves during the year. It is 45-90 cm high and spreading 90-120 cm wide. The stems are green. The leaves are dark green. They are 2.5 cm long. They have fine hairs underneath. The flowers occur in slender short spires. They are yellow.
There are about 90 Genista species. It is used as a medicinal herb. Also as Papilionaceae.
Where it is found
It is frost hardy. Temperate. It suits hardiness zones 2-9.
Countries/locations it is found in
Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Britain, Canada, Caucasus, Europe, France, Greece, Italy, Luxembourg, Mediterranean, North America, Portugal, Siberia, Slovenia, South America, Spain, Turkey, Türkiye
How it is used for food
The flower buds are pickled and used as a substitute for capers. Seeds have been used as a substitute for coffee.
Edible parts
Leaves, buds, flowers
How it is grown
Plants can be grown from seed. They can also be grown by cuttings.
Its other names
Local names
Barvilna košeničica