Buckthorn Seeds (Whole) – Natural Yellow Dye (Rhamnus spp.)

Buckthorn Seeds (Whole) are a traditional yellow natural dye used to create warm golden tones and, with modifiers, olive and khaki shades. Whole seeds can be crushed or lightly ground before dyeing for better extraction—ideal for dyers who prefer working with the raw material rather than powder.

Botanical name: Rhamnus spp.

Color range: golden yellow (alum), deeper mustard (higher WOF), olive/khaki (iron modifier)

Best for

Wool & silk with alum mordant

Cotton & linen (tannin pre-treatment + alum recommended)

Eco printing & botanical dye workflows

Olive/khaki tones using iron as a modifier

How to use (whole seeds)

Crush the seeds (whole form extracts more slowly than powder).

Scour your fiber/fabric thoroughly.

Mordant with alum (cellulose often benefits from a tannin step first).

Dye at 10–30% WOF depending on depth; add iron to shift towards olive/khaki.

Dye-ready fabric suggestion: Try it on our undyed cotton fabric for clean, even results: double-layer-muslin-fabric

Notes & storage: Natural batches may vary slightly. Store sealed in a cool, dry place.