Dyes from Native Plants

Civilizations have been using dyes derived from the plants, and sometimes the animals, around them for nearly 8,000 years.  They used the dyes to color clothing, basket weaving fibers, makeup, and more. Some of these dyes, like indigo, became highly valuable and were traded around the world.

After the American revolution, when dyes imported from England became too expensive, colonizers turned to the Indigenous peoples for their knowledge. They learned to produce dyes from the plants around them, and planted gardens of dye sources imported from abroad.

The plants listed below have all been found to be sources of natural dyes. It is important to note that different colors come from different parts of the plant. The hues can vary depending on how the dye pigment is made, what type of mordant is used, and other factors.

This is by no means a guide for how to use natural dyes, simply a list of source plants to get you started.

Gather Plants Responsibly

When gathering plant material for making dyes it is important to collect responsibly. Just like foraging for food, you do not want to take too much of a natural resource and have a negative impact on the local ecosystem. Remember, these plants serve the ecosystem first.

Responsible harvesting means only collecting plants growing in abundance, do not pull a plant out by the roots if the root is not where dye is derived  Leave behind fruits, seeds and plants in flower so plants can regrow.  When harvesting from trees, take only from fallen trees and branches.

Dyes from Native Perennials

Dyes from Native Trees, Shrubs, and Woody Vines

Our source for this information is Dyes from American Native Plants: A Practical Guide by Lynne Richards & Ronald J. Tyrl, which contains a complete guide to creating dyes from native plants and how to use them.