Herb: Weld


Latin name: Reseda luteola


Family: Resedaceae (Mignonette Family)



Medicinal use of Weld:

Narcotic (mild).

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Biennial


Height:
150 cm
(5 feet)

Flowering:
June to
August

Habitat of the herb:

Disturbed ground, arable land, walls etc, especially on calcareous soils.

Other uses of Weld:

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.

Propagation of the herb:

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.

Cultivation of Weld:

Disturbed ground, arable land, walls etc, especially on calcareous soils.

Known hazards of Reseda luteola:

None known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.