Tein-ching, Woad
Isatis indigotica
Family: Brassicaceae
What it is like
A cabbage family herb which keeps growing from year to year. It grows 30-60 cm high and spreads 30-60 cm wide. The leaves are fleshy and sword shaped. They have teeth along the edge. The flowers are yellow. The fruit are black seed pods.
There are about 30-50 Isatis species.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. It suits hardiness zones 6-9.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, Australia, China, Inner Mongolia
How it is used for food
The leaves are eaten.
Edible parts
Leaves
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Daqingyezi