Are you looking to get started with botanical dye projects, or begin growing your own dyestuffs?
Maybe you're like me and know about the standard dye plants, like indigo and madder, but want to see what else is out there.
Maybe you're an extra big nerd like me and even started reading research papers about traditional dyes from various regions, only to be frustrated by the fact that only scientific plant names were listed, not the English names.
Don't worry, I've got you covered.
If you’ve read any of my other articles, you know I’m a big fan of growing your own edible crops. What can I say - I like to eat.
I also like to drink tea, so I grow my own herbs. I also like to build soil health and I’m always happy to sequester some carbon, so I am dedicated to planting cover crops.
Recently, my green thumb has craved to be all colors of the rainbow - with my natural dye and paint garden.
I've already taken my first steps, experimenting with creating my own paints from natural materials. Now, I'm watching my biennial dye plants like black hollyhock and madder with anticipation, eager for their second season to unfold.
I guess what I’m trying to say is: I like to be creative, so I’m growing a dye garden.
Just as a greenhouse brimming with tomatoes heralds a future brimming with rich, red sauces, my dye garden is a canvas of possibility.
With every seed sown and every root harvested, there's a hum of anticipation for the mysteries of color yet to be uncovered. Each time fabric soaks in the dye, or a brush sweeps paint across paper, it's a revelation—a moment where creation echoes the ancients, yet sings a new song for our times.
Instead of fast fashion; this is timeless craft. It's a Sunday roast versus a microwave meal. It's slow, it's intentional, and honestly, that’s what I love the most about it.
Alongside the element of the unknown comes an open invitation to experiment, to play, and to delight in the process.
Let's get our hands dirty and make some color.
So many plants give natural color for fabrics and paints!
Sortable + searchable chart of plants for your botanical dye garden
🔴 Important Disclaimer: Before you explore this list of dye plants, please note that some of these plants can be invasive and spread rapidly in gardens, potentially harming local ecosystems. Always check your state's regulations and plant status before adding them to your garden. Additionally, while some plants on this list are edible and have a history of use in herbal medicine, this does not ensure their safety for consumption. Certain plants may require special preparation or may no longer be recommended for use. Always conduct thorough research and consult with a healthcare professional before using plants in a medicinal capacity.
I created the spreadsheet below when I was researching botanical dye options that I could grow in my garden. I saw that most ethnobotanical studies on the topic only shared the plant name in local dialects and botanical Latin. While I pride myself in having a fair number of scientific plant names memorized, I obviously don't know all of them and it became hard to keep track of all the information.
In this sortable chart, I have divided the information up into categories below.
This list of plants that can be used for dyes and pigments includes:
the English name of the plant, when available
the region where the plant has been utilized for dye (even if its not native to the area)
the color(s) that the plant provides
the part of the plant used as dyestuff (i.e. seeds, foliage, roots, etc.)
the life cycle of the plant (annual, perennial, biennial)
where to purchase seeds or seedlings, where applicable
other notes
citations
Some of the more popular plants for each color
Madder, gromwell, woodruff, Hopi red dye amaranth, sea buckthorn, heather, scarlet runner bean flowers all lend red botanical dye
Dyer's Coreopsis, Turmeric, Marigold, Safflower, Sulphur Cosmos, and Dhalia provide natural orange pigment
Lots of plants give yellow! Cosmos, Coreopsis, Weld, Goldenrod, Dandelion, Safflower, Marigold, Barberry, Mulberry, Blanketflower...
Centaury, goosefoot, wild basil, fennel, greenweed, sunflower, scabious, chamomile, saw-wort, tobacco, argemone, onion skin also make yellow
There area few Indigo plants - true Indigo, and also False Indigo and Japanese Indigo. Woad, Bachelor's Button, Elecampane, Tassel Hyacinth, Scabiosa, Croton, and Bugle also provide a botanical blue/indigo color.
Why grow a dye garden?
If you’re here reading this article, you probably have some inherent motivation to grow plants for pigments and dyes. But maybe there’s something below that can add in some curiosity to your quest.
As we continue to seek out ways to reduce our impact on the planet, botanical pigments offer a beautiful and practical solution that aligns with our environmental and social values.
Sustainability in Fashion: Botanical dyes are biodegradable and often require less water and non-renewable resources, reducing the environmental footprint left by the dyeing process. Unlike many synthetic dyes, natural dyes do not contain harmful chemicals that could contaminate waterways and ecosystems.
Creativity: There’s inherent satisfaction that comes from creating dyes and paints with your backyard garden. The creative possibilities that come with growing your own dye plants are endless. There are so many experiments waiting to happen, with different color combinations, mordants, and techniques. Each batch of natural dye can produce unique shades and patterns, which means that every dyed fabric can carry its own story and character.
Health and Safety: For artisans and crafters, using botanical dyes and pigments can reduce exposure to toxic substances often found in synthetic dyes and paints, leading to a healthier work environment.
Cultural Heritage: Natural dyeing techniques are steeped in history, with many methods passed down through generations. Botanical dyes are one way to keep these traditions alive and foster a connection to our cultural heritage.
