An Etymological Dictionary of the German Language/Seidelbast

by Friedrich Kluge

Seidelbast, m., ‘spurge-laurel, mezereon,’ derived under the influence of Seide (on account of the fine bast?) from the equiv. MidHG. zîdelbast (also zîtzelbast), m., called also zîlant; origin obscure. Perhaps zîdel-weide, ‘rearing of bees,’ is allied.