BLACK POPLAR BARK DYE

Black Poplar Bark Natural Dye

Populus nigra L. · Populi cortex · Cut or Ground

Black poplar bark is a traditional European dye material that produces an earthy range of golden yellow, orange-tan and warm brown shades.

The bark naturally contains tannins, flavonoids and other phenolic compounds. It can colour some fibres without a mordant, although alum generally produces brighter, clearer and more consistent shades.

Iron shifts the warmer colours towards olive, dark ecru, grey-brown and deeper earthy neutrals.

Choose between cut black poplar bark and ground black poplar bark.

At a glance

• Botanical name: Populus nigra L.

• Traditional material name: Populi cortex

• Ground material name: Populi cort. pulv.

• Plant part: Dried bark

• Available forms: Cut or ground

• Colours: Golden yellow, orange-tan and warm brown

• With iron: Olive, dark ecru, grey-brown and deeper neutrals

• Fibres: Wool, silk, cotton and linen

• Suggested quantity: Approximately 50–100% WOF

• Mordant: Recommended for brighter and more consistent results

• Colourfastness: Medium to good when suitably prepared, dyed and finished

• Suitable for vegan projects: Yes

The colour of black poplar bark

Fresh bark from young black poplar branches has traditionally been used to produce golden yellow on wool.

Dried commercial bark may produce a broader and more muted palette, including:

• Golden yellow

• Orange-tan

• Warm beige

• Soft brown

• Dark ecru

• Olive and grey-brown with iron

The colour varies with the age and growing conditions of the bark, the fibre, mordant, water chemistry, extraction method and dye quantity.

Choosing a form

How much to use

Use approximately:

50–100g black poplar bark per 100g dry fibre

This is equivalent to 50–100% WOF - weight of dry fibre.

Use the lower end for paler tans and warm neutrals. Increase the quantity for stronger golden, orange-brown and brown shades.

Because bark varies naturally, these quantities should be treated as starting points. Sample first when working towards a particular colour.

Basic dyeing guide

1. Prepare: Scour and mordant the fibre using a suitable method, then wet it thoroughly. For wool, approximately 10% alum WOF may be used.

2. Soak: Cover the bark with water and leave overnight. Cut bark particularly benefits from a long soak.

3. Extract: Heat gently to approximately 85–90°C. Extract ground bark for approximately one hour or cut bark for one to two hours.

4. Strain: Strain through a cloth. Ground bark requires particularly careful filtration and is often easiest to manage inside a fine dye bag.

5. Dye: Add the prepared fibre and hold the bath at approximately 80–85°C for one hour.

6. Deepen: Allow the fibre to cool in the bath. Leave it overnight where a deeper shade is required.

7. Finish: Rinse thoroughly and wash gently.

Avoid vigorous boiling. Prolonged hard boiling can muddy the colour and is unnecessary for extracting the soluble bark colourants.

Ground bark may settle on the bottom of the pot. If it is not contained in a dye bag, stir regularly to help prevent scorching.

Dyeing cotton, linen or another cellulose fibre? Find suitable preparation and mordanting methods here.

Mordant and colour response

Black poplar bark contains naturally occurring tannins and may colour some fibres without a mordant. Mordanting is nevertheless recommended when better consistency, brightness and durability are required.

Iron and colour modification

Iron shifts black poplar bark away from golden and orange tones and towards olive, dark ecru and cooler grey-browns.

Approximately 1–3% iron WOF is generally sufficient. Iron acetate is preferred where possible because it is generally gentler on textile fibres than ferrous sulphate.

Excessive iron may unnecessarily dull the colour and can weaken textile fibres. Always follow the handling and safety information supplied with the iron product being used.

Tips from the dye pot

Colourfastness

Black poplar bark has medium to good colourfastness when the fibre is properly prepared, dyed and finished.

Performance depends on the fibre, mordant, depth of shade, extraction method and aftercare. Alum-mordanted shades are generally brighter, while iron produces darker and more muted colours.

Protect finished textiles from prolonged strong sunlight and harsh or frequent washing.

Storage and safe handling

• Store tightly sealed, cool and dry, away from direct sunlight.

• For textile dyeing and craft use only.

• Not for consumption or use in food, drinks, cosmetics or herbal preparations.

• Black poplar bark naturally contains salicylate-related compounds. People with known salicylate or aspirin sensitivity should avoid unnecessary skin contact and dust exposure.

• Avoid creating or breathing dust, particularly when handling ground bark.

• Prevent contact with the eyes, mouth and open wounds.

• Wear gloves and suitable protective equipment when handling dusty material.

• Wear eye protection and suitable particulate respiratory protection where dust cannot be adequately controlled.

• Follow the safety instructions for every mordant and modifier used.

• Iron salts can irritate the skin and eyes and may damage textile fibres when used excessively.

• Use dedicated dyeing equipment—never food-preparation utensils.

• Keep away from food, children and pets.

For textile dyeing and craft use only - not for consumption.

What you receive

Your chosen net weight of cut or ground black poplar bark, supplied in a pouch.

Mordants, iron and other dyeing supplies are sold separately.

Packaging

We pack as sustainably as we can while protecting your dye materials. Pouch types may vary according to pack size and the availability of our preferred lower-impact options.

Display jars and other photographic props are not included.

Learn with us

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