Buckthorn

Rhamnus saxatilis

Buckthorn species such as Rhamnus infectorius, R. amygdalinus, and R.oleodies are native to the Middle East and the Mediterranean. The fruits of Buckthorn are also known as Persian berries and the juice of these unripe berries is historically used to make the pigment known as "sap green."

See the MAIWA GUIDE TO NATURAL DYES

Mordanting: Use alum mordant at 15% WOF for protein fibres. For cellulose, first mordant with tannin at 8% WOF, then either 1) use alum at 15% with soda ash at 2% or 2) use aluminum acetate at 8%. The addition of 5% cream of tartar during mordanting will improve light fastness.

Dyeing: Use Buckthorn ground on mordanted fibre at 15% WOF.

Use buckthorn extract on mordanted fibre at 4-10% WOF.

Below: Buckthorn extract 10% WOF