Skip to content

What is Woad? — PlantSage

0Woad·What is4 answers
0Section · 00

What is Woad

— Short, snippet-friendly answers to the most-asked questions about Woad (Isatis tinctoria). For the full profile with citations, open the main page.

What is Woad?

Woad (Isatis tinctoria) is a biennial or perennial forb/herb belonging to the Boraginaceae family, known historically for its deep blue dye produced from its leaves. Woad (Latin: Isatis tinctoria, family Boraginaceae) is an edible plant catalogued in PlantSage.

Is Woad safe to eat?

Woad is generally regarded as safe for culinary use when correctly identified and prepared. Avoid wild specimens from polluted ground and confirm species before harvest.

Where does Woad grow?

Woad is a member of the Boraginaceae family native to ALB, BUL, GRC, ITA, KRY, and ROM. Woad thrives in light to partial shade and prefers moist, well-draining soils that are light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay).

Can I grow Woad at home?

Woad grows best in USDA zone 6-9, 8/10 light, moist water, and biennial, perennial life cycle. Detailed sowing, propagation, and care notes are on the full profile.

Full profile Edible plants index →Browse catalogue →
❦❦❦❦
Endpaper · archive updates

Get archive updates

Occasional email when substantial new content lands — plant profiles, seasonal growing notes, folk-remedy additions. Free, no tracking, unsubscribe anytime.

Newsletter returning soon.
We are rebuilding the update list around a lightweight editorial workflow. New dispatches will resume after the next content review cycle.