This is a common plant in the mountains of Northern New Mexico. The bark of the roots are what yield the dye. Wood can also be harvested from the top of the plant to create excellent weaving tools. This is a labor intensive dye vat, but strong in color saturation. It is a great part of a local color palette with its gentle reds.

Many species of Rumex grow in North America, some are native, most are invasive. Many of them yield wonderful dyes. The Rumex shown here is Rumex Patientia, an invasive. The roots make a very strong yellowish green dye vat.

Many wonderful colors can be made with lichen dyes. Lichens grow mere millimeters per year, so great care must be taken in gathering them. They are for dyeing ounces, not pounds of fiber!!

This is one of my favorite yellows. It is easy to use, easy to gather and light fast. Chamisa is very prevalent along Northern New Mexico roadsodes; I gather the blooms in late summer and early fall.