Madder flowers pictures.

Madder  (Rubia tinctorum)
Family: Rubiaceae
Climbing evergreen perennial native to the Mediterranean and southern Europe .  Hardy to -5 degreees F.  The plant is a classic element of the Medieval garden, completely unique, wending its way along the ground or draping on fence or trellis.  The yellow, star-like flowers are produced in the second year after which the roots may be dug.  Madder root contains the anthraquinone pigment alizarin, which is responsible for its popularity as a fine red dyeplant.  (The English �red coats� owed their visability to this plant!) The root is also employed medicinally for treating urinary gravel, dropsy, amenorrhoea and jaundice.  Plant prefers regular garden soil and full sun.