Description:

Stems Erect, somewhat woody, ranging in height up to 4 feet.

Leaves have a distinct cream-colored midrib and powdery white film on the upper leaf surface.

Flowers are small and yellow (3mm in width), located in dense, flat-topped racemes. Each flower has the four petals in a cross-shape characteristic of the mustard family.

Seed/Fruit are purplish-brown, tear-drop shaped, winged and pendulous.

Habitat

Dyer’s Woad thrives in light sandy to gravelly soils and will even grow in rocky soil.

Unlike other mustards, it does not require disturbance to become established.

Interesting Facts:

• It was introduced to the eastern United States in the 17th century as a source of indigo dye and as a medicinal herb.
• Plants can produce as many as 10,000 seeds per year.
• Has a thick tap root that can exceed 5 feet in depth.