Weld (Reseda luteola) is a biennial herbaceous plant native to the United Kingdom, belonging to the Resedaceae family. Historically, it was cultivated for its yellow dye extracted from its leaves, making it significant in the textile industry.

Weld thrives in well-drained, nutrient-rich soils, often found in disturbed habitats, such as waste areas, roadsides, and field margins. It prefers full sun and can tolerate drought conditions once established.

As a biennial plant, Weld typically forms a rosette of leaves in its first year and sends up flowering stems in its second year, producing clusters of small yellow flowers. These flowers are attractive to pollinators like bees and butterflies.

Predators of Weld include herbivores such as grazing mammals and insects, which may feed on its foliage. However, it is not typically a preferred food source due to its bitter taste.

Culturally, Weld has been highly significant as a source of yellow dye, especially during the medieval period and Renaissance. It was used to dye textiles, including wool and silk, and was particularly valued for its lightfastness and durability.

An interesting fact about Weld is its historical importance in art, with its yellow dye widely used by artists such as Michelangelo and Rembrandt. Additionally, Weld has been used in traditional herbal medicine for its supposed medicinal properties, although its use in this regard is less common today.