crosswort

plant

Also known as: Crucianella

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Last updated

June 25, 2026

Quick Summary

The term "crosswort" refers to any of several plants characterized by leaves arranged in whorls of four or in opposite, two-ranked pairs. This includes plants like boneset and loosestrife. One specific type of crosswort is a weedy, yellow-flowered European bedstraw, Galium cruciatum, which is sometimes cultivated.1

A "crossword puzzle," on the other hand, is a popular word puzzle where words fitting numbered clues are written into a grid of squares that interlock horizontally and vertically. These puzzles originated in England in the 19th century and became a widespread adult pastime, particularly in the United States.23

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Rubiaceae
Major genera and species
…roots (alizarin); the roots of crosswort (Crucianella) contain a red dye once used in medicines.
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…roots (alizarin); the roots of crosswort (Crucianella) contain a red dye once used in medicines.
Read More