Goldenrod is a familiar sight in gardens and fields across Europe, often grown for its bright sprays of yellow flowers in late summer and autumn. In the dyepot, those same golden blooms yield sunny yellows that are cheerful and clear, especially on alum-mordanted fibres. On cellulose, mordanted with aluminium acetate, the results are equally strong. When post-mordanted with iron, goldenrod transforms into beautiful soft greens, making it a versatile plant for dyers seeking both brightness and depth.

Historical Note
Though widely known today as a decorative plant for floral arrangements, goldenrod has an older story in folk medicine, where it was valued for its cleansing and healing properties. As a dye, it has been used across Europe as a renewable, local source of yellows, a counterpart to imported exotic dyes such as weld or fustic.

Active Coloring Compounds
Quercitrin, Isoquercitrin, Rutin, Isorhamnetin (all flavonoids).

CI Colour Name
Closest family: CI Natural Yellow 10.

Shading Tips

• Alum mordant (10%) → bright, sunny yellows
• Aluminium acetate on cellulose → strong, clear yellows
• Iron post-mordant (ferrous sulfate) → soft olive and grassy greens
• Heat control → keeping the bath below simmer preserves brightness