Gallnut

Quercus infectoria

Gallnut (oak gall) is used to mordant cellulose fibers and fabrics before an alum mordant. Gallnuts from oak trees are a rich source of natural clear tannin. A gallnut is produced by oak trees as a defense against parasitic wasps who deposit their eggs in small punctures they make on young branches. The tree excretes a tannin-rich substance that hardens and forms a gallnut. These are collected and ground to be used in dyeing. Use at 10-15% WOF.

See the MAIWA GUIDE TO NATURAL DYES

Buy Gallnut

Mordanting with the extract: Use at 6-8% WOF.

Mordanting with the ground gallnuts: Use at 10- 15% WOF.

Gallnut is a clear tannin. It does not add a tone to fabric or yarns.

List of Dyes and Tannins