Dyers Woad (Isatis tinctoria)
 

                                    

 

 

Dyers Woad (Isatis tinctoria) was likely first introduced to Utah from Europe in 1910 as a contaminant in alfalfa seed.  Dyers Woad was traditionally used to dye fabrics with pulp from the darkly colored seed pods.

This invasive weed is on Utah’s official noxious weed list because of its ability to quickly dominate and destroy native plant populations, damage cropland, diminish valuable wildlife forage and reduce the quality of watershed lands. 

Tens of thousands of acres in Utah, Idaho and Wyoming are infested with this perennial mustard.

A single Dyers Woad plant can produce as many as 10,000 seeds! 

 

●  Control of Dyers Woad:  Hand pulling is the most effective method of controlling small infestations. It is important to remove pulled plants from the area if they have started to go to seed.  Seed development may still continue even if the plant has been pulled.  

 

●  Distinguishing Features:

Flowers:  Bright yellow with four petals

Seeds:  Green turning to black seed pods

Leaves:  Bluish green with a cream colored mid rib

 

●  For more information about Dyers Woad in Salt Lake County

Salt Lake County Weed Control Program

Online:  http://www.weeds.slco.org

Phone:  Weed Control Hotline 801-562-6466

E-mail:   weeds@slco.org