Care of the plant Isatis tinctoria or Woad |
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The genus Isatis, family Brassicaceae, includes about 40 species of herbaceous plants native to central Asia and the Mediterranean basin. Some species are: Isatis tinctoria, Isatis glauca, Isatis boissieriana, Isatis iberica, Isatis violascens. Common names: Woad, Dyer's woad, Asp of Jerusalem, Glastum. This species is native to central Asia, Siberia and the Caucasus. They are biennial herbaceous plants that reach 1 meter (39.37") in height. They have basal leaves arranged in a rosette and other smaller lanceolate leaves on the stems. The showy inflorescences full of yellow flowers appear at the end of the stems. They bloom in spring and early summer. They are used in wild gardens, rockeries, slopes and borders. In the past they were used as a dye, as a natural insecticide and as a medicinal plant. The Isatis tinctoria prefers a full sun exposure. It resists frost quite well up to -15 ºC (5 ºF). They grow in any type of soil but prefer well-drained soils whether they are poor, sandy or stony. Water regularly so that the substrate is always slightly damp; They resist a few days of drought. Fertilize with a little organic matter at the time of planting. They do not need pruning. They are plants resistant to the usual pests and diseases. They are propagated from seeds sown in late winter, early spring, or fall. |
Images of the plant Isatis tinctoria or Woad |
 Isatis tinctoria  Isatis tinctoria  Isatis tinctoria |