Also known as common walnut, English walnut, Persian walnut, European walnut.

Description
The husks of the common walnut are a rich and reliable natural dye source. Ground into a fine powder, they yield earthy shades ranging from warm browns to deep chocolates and near-black. Walnut is unusual in that it does not require a mordant, but different mordants expand the palette into golden and darker tones. Its colours are strong, fast, and long-lasting, making walnut a favourite among dyers.

Historical Note
Walnut hulls have been used for centuries, both as a dye and as a source of ink. In Europe, they were a readily available dyestuff, giving cloths and yarns deep natural browns, and they were also prized for producing a durable black ink used in writing and drawing. Their strength and availability made walnut a household dyestuff in rural communities.

Active Dye Component
Juglone (a natural quinone).

CI Colour Name
Closest family: CI Natural Brown 7.

Shading Tips

• No mordant → nutty browns
• Alum mordant → golden browns
• Iron mordant (ferrous sulfate) → deep browns to near-black

Extra Uses
Walnut hulls have also been used traditionally for making walnut ink.

Source
Our green walnut hulls are a renewable and sustainable dye source from Turkey.