Perennial shrub
Genista tinctoria - Base-Broom, Dyer's Weed, Waxen Wood, Greenweed, Woud-Wix
Flowers from June to September, a deciduous shrub noted for attracting wildlife. Culinary use limited to possibly the seeds as a coffee substitute, flower buds a substitute for capers. Has been used as a medicinal herb for gout, dropsy and fractures. A dye of excellent quality is processed from all of the plant it is also a good ground cover plant. Sow seed autumn and spring in a cold frame, seed requires a period of cold (stratification) pre soaking seed aids germination. Grow in light well drained soil in full sun. Will tolerate poor, sandy and dry soils.

Sowing time for wildflowers is all year round with best results sowing either March to early May, or from August to September.