GLOSSY BUCKTHORN BARK DYE (Frangula alnus)
Dye Colour: Golden Yellow, Pinks, and Reds | Country of Collection: Bosnia
Glossy Buckthorn Bark is a pH-sensitive natural dye, wild-collected in Bosnia. Historically valued for its versatile colour range, it delivers golden yellow tones at a neutral pH, shifts to pink and red at higher pH levels (10–11), but it is unstable; and can yield green with the addition of iron. This bark’s gentle fragrance and good colour fastness make it a favourite among natural dyers and paint makers alike.
Colour Fastness: Good
Colour Outcomes by WOF Ratio
-
65g Buckthorn Bark per 100g Fibre
Produces a spectrum from golden yellow at neutral pH to rosy reds at alkaline pH (unstable), with iron modifying towards green.
Basic Recipe for Dyeing
Ingredients: 65g Buckthorn Bark, 100g Mordanted Wool (approx. 13g Alum)
- Soak bark for 2 days.
- Simmer the bark in water for 2 hours; strain through cloth.
- Add wool/fibre (along with the bark in a dye bag if desired) and simmer 1 hour.
- Rinse well and allow to dry.
Join The Natural Dyers & Growers Academy to share your experiences, join courses and get support from fellow growers and dyers.
