Dyer’s woodruff (Asperula tinctoria, Sp. Pl.: 104 (1753))

Family: Rubiaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 104 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Asperula

Vegetable: False

Observations: Europe to W. Siberia

Description

Dyer’s woodruff, scientifically known as Asperula tinctoria, is an intriguing member of the Rubiaceae family. This plant boasts a storied history and an expansive native range, stretching from Europe to Western Siberia.

This perennial herb is renowned not only for its botanical characteristics but also for its historical application in dyeing practices. The vibrant roots of Dyer’s woodruff have been traditionally harvested to produce a rich red dye, which has been utilized in textiles across various cultures within its native range.

As a part of the Rubiaceae family, Asperula tinctoria shares common traits with other members of this large and diverse group. Its delicate, whorled leaves and small, charming flowers add aesthetic value to its practical uses, making it a plant of both beauty and utility.

The classification of Asperula tinctoria was first documented in the seminal work “Species Plantarum” published in 1753 by the famed botanist Carl Linnaeus, referred to simply as L. His classifications have laid the groundwork for modern botanical nomenclature, and Dyer’s woodruff continues to be recognized for its unique contributions to both horticulture and historical dyeing techniques.

Overall, Dyer’s woodruff is a plant that encapsulates an enduring connection between the natural world and human ingenuity, thriving in a wide range of environments from the temperate regions of Europe to the diverse landscapes of Western Siberia. This plant remains a fascinating subject for botanical enthusiasts and historians alike.

Common Names

Fra: aspérule des teinturiers, aspérule tinctoriale
Eng: dyer’s woodruff
Dan: farve-mysike
Deu: färber-meier, färber-meister
Swe: färgmåra, färgmadra
En: Dyer’s woodruff
Be: Дзярачка фарбавальная
Ca: Boleng roig
Cs: Mařinka barvířská
Da: Farve-mysike
Et: Värv-varjulill
Fi: Värimaratti
Fr: Aspérule des teinturiers, Aspérule tinctoriale
De: Färber-Meier, Färber-Meister, Färber-Waldmeister, Färbermeister
It: Stellina tintoria, Stellina dei tintori
Lv: Krāsu miešķis
Pl: Marzanka barwierska
Ru: Ясменник красильный
Es: Aspérula de tintas
Sv: Färgmåra, Färgmadra

Synonyms

• Asterophyllum tinctorium ((L.) K.F.Schimp. & Spenn.)
• Galium tinctorium ((L.) Scop.)

Distribution

• Austria (native)
• Baltic States (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Central European Rus (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• East European Russia (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Hungary (native)
• Italy (native)
• Northwest European R (native)
• Norway (native)
• Poland (native)
• Romania (native)
• South European Russi (native)
• Sweden (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• West Siberia (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• Denmark (introduced)
• Finland (introduced)

Additional Images

Habit

Taken Aug 15, 2019 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Jul 15, 2005 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken May 15, 2009 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken May 15, 2009 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken May 15, 2009 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Leaf

Taken Mar 8, 2020 by Diego Alex (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 31, 2020 by myriam renault (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken May 15, 1999 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Jun 4, 2016 by Gaëtanne MICHEL (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 7, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Françoise CARLE (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 7, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Françoise CARLE (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1800 by Tela Botanica − Thierry Pernot (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jul 15, 2005 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken May 15, 2006 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Other

Taken May 15, 2009 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2916767)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:744208-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Asperula tinctoria L.)

Specifications

Growth form: Single Crown

Growth habit: Forb/herb

Growth rate: Moderate

Growth

Ph maximum: 8.0

Ph minimum: 7.5

Light: 5

Atmospheric humidity: 3

Soil nutriments: 3