Resedas

Resedas, belonging to the genus Reseda, are a group of flowering plants commonly known as mignonettes. These herbaceous annuals, biennials, or subshrubs are native to the Mediterranean region, Europe, and parts of Asia. They are typically characterized by their fragrant, small flowers, often borne in dense spikes or racemes. The flowers themselves are not showy, lacking bright petals, but compensate with a sweet, musky scent that has made them popular in perfumery.

The most well-known species is Reseda odorata, commonly called common mignonette or simply mignonette. This plant has been cultivated for centuries for its perfume, with its fragrance being a key ingredient in many historical and modern perfumes. Other species, such as Reseda luteola (weld), have historical significance as a source of yellow dye. Weld was widely used in Europe for dyeing wool and silk before the advent of synthetic dyes.

Reseda plants are generally easy to grow, preferring well-drained soil and a sunny location. They are often found in gardens, both for their fragrance and their historical associations. While not typically grown for ornamental display due to their unassuming flowers, their scent and past utility have secured their place in botanical and horticultural history. The genus Reseda is part of the Resedaceae family.