Woad (Isatis tinctoria)

Also known as Dyer’s Woad, Dyer’s Weed or Glastum. Short-lived perennial belonging to the mustard family, up to 1.2m high with yellow flowers in summer.

Historically used both as a dye plant (producing blue dye from its leaves) and as a medicinal herb due to their antiviral and antibiotic properties.  Woad is thought to lower fever and reduce inflammation.  Used medicinally: dried roots (lifted in autumn) as a decoction and dried leaves (picked in summer) as a tea.

Flowers great for attracting beneficial insects into your growing space.