Perennial plant with whorls of leaves around a central stem. Small pale yellow flowers. The plant is best known for the roots which are a source of red dyes best harvested in the 2nd or 3rd year. Madder root has been used since ancient times as a red dye plant. Madder prefers a loamy soil with consistent moisture. Madder is known as a food plant source for the larvae of the hummingbird hawk moth. Root is used medicinally.
