Spring Growth ID
Yarrow is a sweet and very strong plant that commonly grows in meadows and 'disturbed areas' and 'waste places'. This is of particular interest to me as I explore curious spaces in the city that have been disturbed through human intervention. Yarrow spreads through seeds and rhizomes, and is known to spread quickly in gardens. Happily, Yarrow shares gifts of medicine and dye with us.
Thanks to Zhyphs' insight on our plant walk, we learned that Yarrow has astringent qualities due to the tannin present in this plant. Tannin is a helpful element found in many plants that helps fix colour to textiles and can be used in combination with alum & soda ash to mordant cellulose fibers.
Dye Results
Cellulose Fibers:
Yellow-green
Protein Fibers:
Yellow-green (brighter)