Wild madder
Rubia peregrina
Synonyms: Rubia peregrina subsp. requienii, Rubia peregrina var. bocconei, Rubia peregrina var. pubescens, Rubia peregrina var. intermedia, Rubia peregrina var. genuina, Rubia requienii, Rubia reiseri, Rubia angustifolia var. requienii, Rubia splendens, Rubia barcinonensis, Rubia peregrina var. splendens, Rubia peregrina var. longifolia, Rubia dalmatica, Rubia peregrina var. requienii, Rubia fontqueri, Rubia peregrina var. angustifolia, Rubia peregrina var. vulgaris, Rubia peregrina var. typica, Rubia linearifolia, Rubia longifolia, Rubia lucida, Rubia anglica, Rubia peregrina subsp. longifolia, Rubia peregrina var. lucida, Rubia angustifolia, Rubia bocconii, Rubia erratica, Rubia clementii, Rubia peregrina var. dalmatica, Rubia peregrina var. rotundifolia, Rubia peregrina subsp. angustifolia, Rubia lucida var. pubescens, Rubia grandifolia, Rubia peregrina var. latifolia
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Botanical Description
Rubia peregrina, the wild madder, is a scrambling, evergreen perennial herb of the family Rubiaceae with tough, four-angled stems that are rough with tiny down-curved prickles, enabling it to clamber over shrubs and rocks to 1 m or more. The dark green, leathery, glossy leaves are arranged in whorls and have prickly margins and midribs. From early to late summer it bears loose clusters of small, star-shaped, pale yellow-green five-petalled flowers, followed by small berry-like fruits that ripen from green to black. The thick, creeping rootstock contains red dye pigments. Native to western and southern Europe, North Africa and adjacent regions, wild madder grows in hedgerows, scrub, woodland margins, rocky ground and coastal thickets, especially on calcareous soils. The roots have long been used as a source of red dye.
Cultural & Historical Context
Traditional American Uses
None Documented
Chemistry & External Identifiers
Important Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.