The term DYE-YIELDING PLANT can be broken down into two crossword solutions: MADDER (6 letters) and ANIL (4 letters). MADDER is a plant native to Europe, North Africa, and western Asia that has been used as a dye since ancient times. The root of the plant is dried and ground into a powder, which is then used to produce a red dye. ANIL is a shrub native to tropical regions of the Americas that produces a blue dye. The leaves of the plant are dried and boiled in water to produce a dye that is used in fabrics and cosmetics.