Dyer's greenweed is a small deciduous shrub with green, upright, twiggy stems. It's a good plant for hot, dry sites such as rock gardens. Prefers acidic, well-drained soil and thrives in nutritionally poor soils. The bright yellow flowers appear from June through September and are used as a dye.
This plant has some cultivated varieties. Go to list of cultivars.
Botanical name:
All Common Names:
Family (English):
Family (Botanic):
Tree or Plant Type:
- Shrub
Native Locale:
- Non-native
Size Range:
- Low-growing shrub (under 3 feet)
Hardiness Zones:
- Zone 4,
- Zone 5 (Chicago),
- Zone 6,
- Zone 7
Shape or Form:
- Multi-stemmed,
- Upright
Growth Rate:
- Slow
More Information:
Size & Form
An upright, twiggy shrub reaching 2 to 3 feet high.
Tree & Plant Care
Best in full sun in well drained, acidic soil. Tolerant of light sandy to medium loamy soils.
Thrives on neglect and nutritionally poor soil.
Does not transplant well.
Flowers on new growth, prune after flowering to encourage a second flush of flowers.
Disease, pests, and problems
Not tolerant tolerant of salt or wet soils
Disease, pest, and problem resistance
Tolerant of windy sites
Native geographic location and habitat
Europe, Asia, Mediterranean
Attracts birds, pollinators, or wildlife
Butterflies and bees
Bark color and texture
The bright green twiggy stems can add winter interest.
Leaf or needle arrangement, size, shape, and texture
Alternate, bright green, 1-inch long, elliptical narrow leaves with pointed tips
Flower arrangement, shape, and size
Bright yellow, 1 inch long flowers on erect racemes; sporatic flowering throughout the summer.
Fruit, cone, nut, and seed descriptions
A 1/2 to 3/4 inch long pod
Cultivars and their differences
Bangle Dryer's Greenweed (Genista lydia 'Select'): 2 to 3 feet high, low mounded shrub with electric yellow flowers.
Flora-Pleno Dryer's Greenweed (Genista 'Plena'): a dwarf, semi-prostrate shrub with brilliant yellow flowers.