Dyer's Greenweed Genista tinctoria 'Royal Gold'

Names

• Family

  Fabaceae.

• Synonyms

  Dyer's Greenweed, Dyer's Broom, Woadwaxen, Waxen Wood, Greenweed.

• Common names

  Cytisus tinctorius, Genistella tinctoria, Genista patula.

Toxicity

• To humans

  Dyer's greenweed is known to contain toxic compounds that can be harmful if ingested. These compounds can cause various symptoms when parts of the plant are eaten, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In severe cases, the toxicity can lead to more serious health issues such as muscle weakness and changes in heart rhythm, which could be potentially life-threatening without prompt medical treatment.

• To pets

  Dyer's greenweed can be toxic to pets if they ingest any part of the plant. The symptoms of poisoning in pets can include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and weakness. More severe toxicity can cause issues such as tremors, seizures, and heart problems. It's important to prevent pets from ingesting this plant and to seek veterinary care immediately if poisoning is suspected.

Characteristics

• Life cycle

  Perennials

• Foliage type

  Deciduous

• Color of leaves

  Green

• Flower color

  Yellow

• Height

  2 feet (0.61 meters)

• Spread

  2 feet (0.61 meters)

• Plant type

  Shrub

• Hardiness zones

  5

• Native area

  Europe

General Benefits

• Attracts Pollinators: Dyer's Greenweed is a nectar-rich plant that attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects to the garden, promoting pollination of nearby plants.
• Low Maintenance: This hardy shrub requires minimal care once established, making it ideal for gardeners looking for low-maintenance landscaping options.
• Drought Tolerant: Once established, Dyer's Greenweed has good drought tolerance, reducing the need for frequent watering and making it suitable for xeriscaping.
• Fast Growing: It's a fast-growing plant that fills in areas quickly, providing a rapid display of color and coverage.
• Deer Resistant: The plant is generally not preferred by deer, making it a good choice for areas where deer browsing is a problem.
• Erosion Control: With its sturdy growth habit, Dyer's Greenweed can help stabilize soil and control erosion on slopes and banks.
• Ornamental Qualities: With vibrant yellow flowers and a neat, bushy form, this plant adds aesthetic value to gardens and landscapes.
• Cultural Significance: It has a historical use in dye production, which can be of interest to those passionate about traditional crafts or botanical history.
• Habitat Support: Provides shelter and food for wildlife, contributing to the overall health of the ecosystem.

Medical Properties

• Diuretic: The plant has been traditionally used to promote urine production and relieve fluid retention.
• Astringent: Genista tinctoria has compounds that may help to tighten and tone tissues, which can be beneficial in treating wounds and cuts.
• Laxative: Historically, it has been used to relieve constipation and support bowel movements.
• Emmenagogue: It is believed to stimulate menstrual flow and has been used in traditional medicine to address menstrual irregularities.

Air-purifying Qualities

This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

Other Uses

• Genista tinctoria 'Royal Gold', commonly known as Dyer's Greenweed, has traditionally been used in fabric dyeing, providing a range of yellows and greens depending on the mordant used.
• The stems of Dyer's Greenweed were historically used for basket weaving due to their flexibility and strength.
• In some cultures, Dyer's Greenweed was burned during ceremonies for the pleasant fragrance it releases, contributing to a calming atmosphere.
• The plant can be used as a natural barrier in landscapes because of its dense growth habit, helping in creating borders or hedges in garden designs.
• Gardeners can use this plant in conjunction with others to create a habitat for attracting and supporting beneficial insects like bees and butterflies.
• Dyer's Greenweed can be used in natural landscaping to prevent soil erosion on slopes or banks thanks to its root system that holds soil in place.
• This plant may be included in naturalistic planting schemes to restore wild areas with its ability to thrive in poor soils and support the local ecosystem.
• Its tough stems have been used to make small handcrafted items such as brooms or rudimentary tools in the past.
• The bright yellow flowers of Dyer's Greenweed can serve as a natural dye for wool, leather, or even paper, creating vibrant hues in arts and crafts.
• In rural traditions, the branches of Dyer's Greenweed were used to light hearths as they are easily flammable and served well for kindling.

Feng Shui

The plant Genista is not used in Feng Shui practice.

Zodiac Sign Compitability

The plant Genista is not used in astrology practice.

Plant Symbolism

• Protection: Often used to ward off negative energies, Genista tinctoria 'Royal Gold', also known as Dyer's Greenweed, is associated with protection.
• Preparation: Dyer's Greenweed has a history of use in dyeing, symbolizing readiness and the preparation for change or transformation.
• Purity: With its vibrant yellow flowers, Dyer's Greenweed is often linked with purity and cleansing, as yellow can represent light and purification.