Dyer's Greenweed
Genista tinctoriafam. Fabaceae
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Pl. EDE8 — Genista tinctoria
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IOverview
Overview
Dyer's Greenweed (Genista tinctoria) is a shrub known for its ornamental and culinary uses, native to regions across Europe and parts of Asia including Afghanistan, Albania, Austria, Belarus, Bulgaria, and others. This plant thrives in light or medium soil that is dry to moist and prefers a pH between 6.5 and 7. Its leaves are edible, making it useful for culinary applications. Dyer's Greenweed can grow up to 0.6 meters tall and is characterized by its distinctive yellow flowers, which contribute to its value as an ornamental plant in gardens.
Quick answers
What is Dyer's Greenweed?
Dyer's Greenweed (Genista tinctoria) is a shrub known for its ornamental and culinary uses, native to regions across Europe and parts of Asia including Afghanistan, Albania, Austria, Belarus, Bulgaria, and others. This plant thrives in light or medium soil that is dry to moist and prefers a pH between 6.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Dyer's Greenweed thrives in light to medium soil and prefers a pH between 6.5 and 7. It is adaptable to both dry and moist conditions but generally requires well-drained soil. This shrub is hardy in temperate regions with zones ranging from 4 to 7, making it suitable for gardens across many European climates. For cultivation, ensure the plant receives plenty of light, as its light requirement is moderate. Propagation can be achieved through seeds or cuttings. Harvest edible leaves for culinary use.
Light
7/10
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Hardiness
4-7
Habit
Shrub
Mature size
0.6 m tall
Soil pH
6.5–7
For first-time growers
How to grow Dyer's Greenweed for the first time
8steps
Start with Dyer's Greenweed as a simple shrub that requires minimal care and attention.
- 1
What you'll need
A small plant or seeds, a pot or garden bed, good quality soil.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or in early autumn.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7. Ensure containers have drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant young plants from a nursery, or sow seeds directly in the garden after danger of frost is past.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Monitor for pests and diseases.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, especially during hot weather. Prune in late winter or early spring to maintain shape.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune after flowering to encourage new growth and prevent the plant from becoming leggy.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy soil, neglecting to prune regularly.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Leaves
Edible uses: Coffee, Condiment
Other uses:DyeFiberGround coverNitrogen fixer
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 30 native
Europe16 regions
native (16)AlbaniaAustriaBelarusBelgiumBulgariaDenmarkFranceGermanyGreeceHungaryItalyNetherlandsNorwayRussiaUkraineUnited Kingdom
Asia3 regions
native (3)AfghanistanIranKazakhstan
Broader regions
native:Altay, Baltic States, Turkey-in-Europe, Yugoslavia, Czechoslovakia, Lebanon-Syria
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Fabaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Fabaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
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