Family: Cruciferae
Genus: Isatis
Species: tinctoria
(i)General background on the plant
Woad is a medium to tall, more or less hairless biennial or perennial herb with basal rosettes of stalked, long lanceolate downy leaves. The large branching inflorescence bears numerous yellow flowers approximately 4 mm in diameter. Woad is a native of Southern Europe, and occurs as a relict escape from cultivation in many other areas including Britain, as it was widely cultivated from prehistoric times until the present century (De Rougemont 1989). The last woad mills in the world, in Lincolnshire,UK were closed in the 1930s.
(ii)Details of quality characters
The aerial parts of the plant yield blue dye after double fermentation. Although now usurped by the brighter indigo, it is still used to improve and "fix" indigo dye.
(iii)Current production and yields
Woad can be forage harvested 3 times a year, and the dye extracted.
(iv)Constraints on production
There are no commercial varieties available. Only historic species which produce inconsistent yields.
(v)Markets and market potential
There is a consumer-led demand for naturally dyed textiles. Current demand is about 5% in total, but an EU survey suggests that by 2005 15% of textile sales will have been dyed using natural products (Burns 1995). However, synthetic indigo is cheaper and ofter better as a source for dye.
(vi)Other information
See the following pages in the NF-2000 Database
(vii)Contacts
Gorham & Bateson, Caroline House, Ryston, Downham
Market, Norfolk, UK.
Tel: + 44 (0) 1366 383123.
WOAD INDIGO PROJECT
Dr K.G. Stoker or Dr D.T. Cooke
Department of Biological Sciences
University of Bristol,
c/o IACR Long Ashton
Department of Agricultural Sciences
Long Ashton, Bristol BS41 9AF, UK.
Tel: + 44 (0) 1275 549408
Fax: + 44 (0) 1275 374281
Email:
kerry.stoker@bbsrc.ac.uk
dave.cooke@bbsrc.ac.uk
(viii)References
Burns, S 1995. Natural dye crops show UK potential, Farmers Weekly 30 June 1995.
De Rougemont, 1989, A field guide to the crops of Britain and Europe. Collins, London.
Goodwin, J. (1981). A Dyers Manual. Pelham.