Madder

Growth habit

Herbaceous

Perennation

Perennial

Native distribution

Southern Europe and Asia Minor

Biocultural value

The dried, powdered roots are the source of Turkey red dye, popular in the 18th and early 19th centuries for dying cotton textiles such as ginghams, paisley shawls, table cloths as well as Persian carpets.

Location

Robison Herb Garden

Source of plant

Jardin Botanique de Montreal, Sandy Mush Herb Nursery

Description

To 4', erect or decumbent; leaves in whorls of 4 to 6, lanceolate, to 4" long, prickly on midribs and edges;flowers greenish-yellow in branching cymes, fruit red, turning black.

USDA Hardiness Zone

5

Special characteristics

other ethnobotanical uses