Buckthorn Bark (100g)

Alder buckthorn ( Frangula alnus)  has replaces Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica) bark  and also gives a strong yellow and is a substantive dye which means that it can be used without mordanting. The colour in the photograph is probably the fiery red of the Celts who had no word for orange. I would describe it as a terracotta red/orange and is obtained by fermenting it for three days with wood ash lye. More information on this eco-friendly technique is my Colours of the World Eco Dyeing Book.