Dyer's greenweed ©Lancashire Wildlife Trust

Dyer's greenweed

Dyer's greenweed is a classic plant of hay meadows, heaths and open woodlands. It has upright stems with loose clusters of bright yellow, pea-like flowers in summer.

Scientific name

Genista tinctoria

When to see

June to August

Species information

Statistics

Height: up to 50cm

Conservation status

Common.

Habitats

About

Dyer's greenweed is a shrubby plant of unimproved hay meadows, heaths and open woodland. It is a member of the pea family and has bright yellow flowers that appear from June to August. It is an important foodplant for a range of scarce moths and other insects.

How to identify

The leaves of Dyer's greenweed are dark green, small and narrow. Its flowers are bright yellow and clustered together on upright, rounded stems; they are similar in appearance to those of other pea-family members.

Distribution

Found throughout England and Wales, but scattered distribution in Southern Scotland.

Did you know?

Dyer's greenweed gets its common name from its traditional use in dying fabric - it would produce a vibrant yellow colour.

How people can help

The Wildlife Trusts look after many meadow habitats using traditional methods, such as hay-cutting, reseeding and grazing, for the benefit of local wildlife. We are also working closely with farmers and landowners to promote wildlife-friendly practices in these areas. You can help too: volunteer for your local Wildlife Trust and you could be involved in everything from stockwatching to surveying meadow flowers.