Yellow Weed

This fneus consists of 55-60 species of annuals and perennials from stony hillsides, scrub, and field margins, mainly in Mediterranean regions and SW Asia. Reseda luteola (weld) has an ancient history as a dye plant. It was used to dye wedding garments and the robes of vestal virgins in Roman times, and in England was mixed with Genista tinctoria (See, Dyer's Greenweed) and Isatis tinctoria (See, Woad) or indigo (Indigofera tinctoria) to make the color Kendal or Lincoln green, as worn by Robin Hood and his men. Weld is unusual among natural dyes in producing very good, permanent yellows and greens; examples can be seen in textiles hundreds of years old. Though little used medicinally, weld contains the flavones luteolin and apigenin. The former is an interesting pigment, not found in other species of Reseda; the latter is an important constituent of Petroselinum crispum (See, Parsley) and is knwon to have anti-oxidant and anti-allergenic properties. Reseda odorata is a common weed in N Africa; it was introduced to France by Napoleon, who send seeds from Egypt to the Empress Josephine. During the 19th century it was a popular container plant for balconies and other positions where its fragrance would be most appreciated. The French named it mignonette, meaning "little darling". Mignonette was once cultivated in the south of France for the perfumery industry; the flowers were picked in March and April. Their perfume has been described as resembling that of violet leaves and basil. Traditionally the essential oil was extracted by enfleurage. In Britain the plant was first grown at the Chelsea Physic Garden in London and seed sent from Leiden in 1752. Modern varieties, with more deeply colored flowers, are less fragrant; the original species has a long-lasting fragrance, even when dried.

Annual or perennial with a basal rosette of dark gree, linear to ovate, wavy margined leaves, to 12cm (5in) long. Tiny pale yellow-green flowers, with numerous stamens, are produced in dense, sometimes branched spikes.

Common Name:	Yellow Weed
Other Names:	Weld
Botanical Name:	Reseda luteola
Genus:	Reseda
Family:	Resedaceae
Native Location:	Europe to C Asia
Cultivation:	Well-drained to dry, alkaline soil in sun.
Propagation:	By seed sown in late winter at 13°C (55°F) or in situ in early spring or autumn.
Harvest:	Flowers are picked as they open (R. odorata). Whole plants are cut in summer for infusions.
Height:	1.5m (5ft)
Width:	50cm (20in)
Hardiness:	Z6
Parts Used:	Whole plant (except roots).
Properties:	A bitter, astringent herb that may have anti-oxidant and anti-allergic effects.
Medicinal Uses:	Internally for stomachache and diarrhea. (N Africa).
Economic Uses:	Yields natural dye in shades of yellow, orange, and olive.
Bibliography:	The Encyclopedia of Herbs by Deni Bown Copyright © 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited. Pg. 342