Black Walnut husks (Juglans nigra) are a traditional and powerful source of natural dye, long prized for their ability to produce deep browns, chocolate shades, and near-blacks. Rich in tannins and the dye compound juglone, they require no mordant, yet yield colours with excellent lightfastness.

Traditionally used for making ink as well as dyeing textiles, walnut husks remain a staple for natural dyers who want rich, earthy tones. They can also be used in eco-printing as a “dye blanket” to provide a strong background wash of colour.

Our walnut husks are sustainably harvested in the USA, making them a renewable dye source with a deep heritage in natural colour traditions.

Additional Notes

• Traditionally used in ink-making as well as textiles
• Provides excellent lightfastness without mordants
• Not considered a low-impact method unless finely ground, but highly effective for strong, earthy shades

Active Dye Compounds Juglone (a naphthoquinone) High tannin content

CI Number No CI number assigned.

Shading Tips

• Without mordant: deep browns, chocolate tones, near-blacks with iron
• With alum, it enhances and intensifies shades
• As a dye blanket: excellent background colour for eco-printing projects
• On fibres: works especially well on protein and cellulose fibres; use a dye bag with wool to prevent husk fragments sticking