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Hypericum perforatum (perforate St John's-wort) is one of my favourite plants to learn about, and is a very powerful medicinal plant with many applications. I was absolutely stunned at the results of my dye experiments both in 2020 and 2021. I was able to harness 4 different colours from the roots, leaves/stems, and flowers of this plant. 

St John's-wort is hiding in sunny meadows, and particularly likes gravelly areas like roadsides and railways. Notice the little dots or 'perforations' on the leaves and edges of the flower petals. St John's-wort is not indigenous to Turtle Island, and is often seen as a weed in farmers' fields, but let's welcome it into our hearts and consciousness and give it the love it deserves!

Spring Growth ID

Dried St John's Wort from last year

Dried St John's Wort from last year

New St John's Wort shoots starting from base of last year's plants

New St John's Wort shoots starting from base of last year's plants

Dye Process 2020 -Upper Aerials

345g fresh flowers (215% WOF)

345g fresh flowers (215% WOF)

Colour took quite quickly in the dyebath

Colour took quite quickly in the dyebath

Resulted in very strong yellows

Resulted in very strong yellows

Dye Results

St John's-wort on cotton, linen, ramie/silk, wool, and silk fibers.

St John's-wort on cotton, linen, ramie/silk, wool, and silk fibers.

Cellulose Fibers:

Mustard yellow 

Protein Fibers:

Mustard yellow
Wool didn't take colour as strongly as silk or cellulose fibers

Dye Results - Flowers (First infusion)

Dye Results - Flowers (Second infusion)

Dye Results - Leaves & Stems

Dye Results - Roots

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