Dyer's greenweed facts for kids
{{Speciesbox |image = Genista_tinctoria.jpg |image_caption =Illustration from Bilder ur Nordens Flora |genus = Genista |species = tinctoria |authority = L.
|synonyms =
Genista alpestris Bertol.
Genista anxantica Ten.
Genista borysthenica Kotov
Genista campestris Janka
Genista donetzica Kotov
Genista elata (Moench) Wender.
Genista elatior Koch
Genista humilis Ten.
Genista hungarica A. Kern.
Genista lasiocarpa Spach
Genista mantica Pollini
Genista marginata Besser
Genista mayeri Janka
Genista oligosperma (Andrae) Simonk.
Genista ovata Waldst. & Kit.
Genista patula M. Bieb.
Genista perreymondii Loisel.
Genista ptilophylla Spach
Genista pubescens O. Lang
Genista rupestris Schur
Genista sibirica L.
Genista tanaitica P.A. Smirn.
Genista tenuifolia Loisel.
Genista tinctoria var. campestris (Janka)Morariu
Genista tinctoria var. oligosperma Andrae
Genista tinctoria subsp. oligosperma Andrae
Genista virgata Willd.
Genistoides elata Moench
Genistoides tinctoria (L.) Moench
Genista tinctoria, also known as the dyer's greenweed or dyer's broom, is a type of flowering plant. It belongs to the Fabaceae family, which includes peas and beans. This plant has other names too, like dyer's whin. The word tinctoria in its scientific name means "used as a dye." This gives us a big clue about one of its main uses!
Contents
What Dyer's Greenweed Looks Like
Dyer's greenweed is a deciduous shrub. This means it loses its leaves every year. It usually grows to be about 60 to 90 centimeters (2 to 3 feet) tall. The plant can spread out to about 100 centimeters (3 feet) wide.
Its stems are woody and have a few tiny hairs. The leaves grow one after another along the stem. They are smooth and shaped like a spearhead.
Flowers and Fruit
In spring and early summer, the plant grows bright golden-yellow flowers. These flowers look like small peas. They grow in tall, narrow clusters.
After the flowers bloom, the plant produces fruit. This fruit is a long, shiny pod. It looks a lot like a green bean pod.
Where Dyer's Greenweed Grows
This plant is found naturally in Europe and Turkey. It likes to grow in open areas. You can often see it in meadows and pastures.
Uses and Special Qualities
People have chosen many different types of dyer's greenweed for gardens. These special types are called cultivars. One popular cultivar is 'Royal Gold'. It has even won an award for being a great garden plant!
Making Dyes from the Plant
As its name suggests, dyer's greenweed has been used for a very long time to make dyes. People used it to create a bright yellow color. If you mix this yellow dye with another plant dye called woad, you can make a green color.
A Special Plant Compound
In 1899, scientists found a special chemical in this plant. They named it genistein, after the plant's scientific name, Genista.
Traditional Uses
For many years, people have used parts of this plant in traditional ways. The flowering branches were often used. People believed it could help with different health issues, including skin problems.
Gallery
See also
In Spanish: Genista tinctoria para niños
