Please note: cut root bark is currently out of stock but will be restocked soon.
Barberry Root Bark – Ground & Cut
Source: Berberis spp. (Barberry)
Barberry root bark is a traditional dye material valued for its high content of berberine, a potent plant alkaloid that yields clear, brilliant yellows on protein fibres. When modified with iron, it shifts to olive greens, making it a versatile addition to any natural dyer’s toolkit.
This listing includes ground root bark for quick extraction and cut bark for longer decoctions or soaking methods.
Barberry is known for its excellent light fastness, especially on wool and silk.
Main Components:
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Berberine (alkaloid)
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Alkaloid-rich tannins
Suggested Quantities (WOF):
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20–30% for clear yellow
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With iron: 25–40% for olive tones
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Simmer gently for 60 minutes
Uses:
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Brilliant yellow dyeing on wool and silk
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Olive green shades with iron
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Layered plant dyeing with tannins and modifiers
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Historical dyeing and pigment preparation
The Plant: Barberry is a spiny shrub found across Europe and Asia. The root bark is its most dye-rich part, containing vibrant yellow berberine compounds also used in traditional medicine and inks.
Light Fastness:
High (excellent retention on protein fibres)
Form:
Ground and cut root bark
Tips:
Try layering with tannins like oak gall or sumac to deepen tone. Use on its own for luminous yellows, or with iron sulfate for olive greens.
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