Sunflower dye: Difference between revisions

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[[File:sunflowerswp2.jpg|thumb|Sunflowers in bloom]]
[[File:Sunflower MFA.jpg|thumb|Lithograph of Sunflower<br>MFA# 2002.18680]]
== Description ==
== Description ==
 
The yellow petals from the sunflower (''Helianthus annuus'') blooms can produce a bright yellow dye while the seeds can produce dark blues and blacks. The yellow [[dye|dye]] obtained from sunflowers petals in [[alkaline|alkaline]] solutions is not [[lightfastness|lightfast]]. However, in [[acetic%20acid|acetic acid]] solutions, sunflowers give a colorfast golden color on [[wool|wool]] with an [[alum|alum]] [[mordant|mordant]]. Additionally the color is pH dependantUsing an iron or copper mordant can shift the color to green. The edible seeds of the sunflower plant contain [[anthocyanin|anthocyanins]] that can produce a dark blue-black color.  The seeds can be boiled in water, this breaks open the hull releasing the color.  Fixatives, like alum or iron, are needed.  
A natural yellow [http://cameo.mfa.org/materials/fullrecord.asp?name=dye dye] obtained from sunflower (''Helianthus annuus'') blooms. Sunflowers produce a bright yellow dye in [http://cameo.mfa.org/materials/fullrecord.asp?name=alkaline alkaline] solutions that is not [http://cameo.mfa.org/materials/fullrecord.asp?name=lightfastness lightfast]. In [http://cameo.mfa.org/materials/fullrecord.asp?name=acetic%20acid acetic acid] solutions, however, sunflowers give a colorfast golden color on [http://cameo.mfa.org/materials/fullrecord.asp?name=wool wool] with an [http://cameo.mfa.org/materials/fullrecord.asp?name=alum alum] [http://cameo.mfa.org/materials/fullrecord.asp?name=mordant 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 ==
== Synonyms and Related Terms ==
 
[[File:Uemura 10-15-2009 381.jpg|thumb|silk dyed with sunflower petals in Visible light]]
''Helianthus annuus''; colorant à base de tournesol (Fr.); girasol (Esp.);
''Helianthus annuus''; colorant à base de tournesol (Fr.); girasol (Esp.); Hopi black
 
[[File:Uemura 10-15-2009 381 UV.jpg|thumb|silk dyed with sunflower petals in UV light]]
== Sources Checked for Data in Record ==
==Resources and Citations==


* D. Cardon, ''Natural Dyes: Sources, Tradition, Technology and Science'' (original edition ''Le Monde des teintures naturelles''), Archetype Publications, Ltd., London, 2007
* D. Cardon, ''Natural Dyes: Sources, Tradition, Technology and Science'' (original edition ''Le Monde des teintures naturelles''), Archetype Publications, Ltd., London, 2007
* R.J. Adrosko, ''Natural Dyes in the United States'', Smithsonian Institution Press, Washington, DC, 1968
* R.J. Adrosko, ''Natural Dyes in the United States'', Smithsonian Institution Press, Washington, DC, 1968
 
* Economic Botany: [http://www.botgard.ucla.edu/html/botanytextbooks/economicbotany/Helianthus/index.html Expressing Achenes] purple dye from seeds [Accessed Jan. 21, 2009]
* Website address 1  Comment: Economic Botany: [http://www.botgard.ucla.edu/html/botanytextbooks/economicbotany/Helianthus/index.html Expressing Achenes] [Accessed Jan. 21, 2009]
* The Plant Lady: [https://www.theplantlady.net/documents-regarding-dye-plants.php select Natural Dye Table]
 
* Wikipedia: [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_sunflower Common sunflower] Accessed May 2026
* Website address 1  Comment: Economic Botany: [http://www.botgard.ucla.edu/html/botanytextbooks/economicbotany/Helianthus/index.html Expressing Achenes] purple dye from seeds [Accessed Jan. 21, 2009]
* L.Mao, G.Mazza, 'Extraction of anthocyanin Pigments from Purple Sunflower Hulls' ''Journal of Food Science'', 61(3), 1966.
 
 


[[Category:Materials database]]
[[Category:Materials database]]

Latest revision as of 14:01, 19 May 2026

Lithograph of Sunflower
MFA# 2002.18680

Description

The yellow petals from the sunflower (Helianthus annuus) blooms can produce a bright yellow dye while the seeds can produce dark blues and blacks. The yellow dye obtained from sunflowers petals in alkaline solutions is not lightfast. However, in acetic acid solutions, sunflowers give a colorfast golden color on wool with an alum mordant. Additionally the color is pH dependant. Using an iron or copper mordant can shift the color to green. The edible seeds of the sunflower plant contain anthocyanins that can produce a dark blue-black color. The seeds can be boiled in water, this breaks open the hull releasing the color. Fixatives, like alum or iron, are needed.

Synonyms and Related Terms

silk dyed with sunflower petals in Visible light

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

silk dyed with sunflower petals in UV light

Resources and Citations

  • D. Cardon, Natural Dyes: Sources, Tradition, Technology and Science (original edition Le Monde des teintures naturelles), Archetype Publications, Ltd., London, 2007
  • R.J. Adrosko, Natural Dyes in the United States, Smithsonian Institution Press, Washington, DC, 1968
  • Economic Botany: Expressing Achenes purple dye from seeds [Accessed Jan. 21, 2009]
  • The Plant Lady: select Natural Dye Table
  • Wikipedia: Common sunflower Accessed May 2026
  • L.Mao, G.Mazza, 'Extraction of anthocyanin Pigments from Purple Sunflower Hulls' Journal of Food Science, 61(3), 1966.