Sunflower dye

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Sunflowers in bloom

Description

A natural yellow dye obtained from sunflower (Helianthus annuus) blooms. Sunflowers produce a bright yellow dye in alkaline solutions that is not lightfast. In acid acetic acid solutions, however, sunflowers give a colorfast golden color on wool with an alum mordant. The seeds of the sunflower plant were also used by native Americans to produce a dark purple color used for dyeing baskets.

Synonyms and Related Terms

Helianthus annuus; colorant base de tournesol (Fr.); girasol (Esp.);

Authority

  • D. Cardon, D. Cardon, Natural Dyes: Sources, Tradition, Technology and Science (original edition Le Monde des teintures naturelles), Archetype Publications, Ltd., London, 2007
  • R.J. Adrosko, R.J. Adrosko, Natural Dyes in the United States, Smithsonian Institution Press, Washington, DC, 1968

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