A compact, deciduous dwarf shrub with slender, arching or trailing grey-green branches and small green foliage. Masses of pea-like, bright yellow flowers, in terminal clusters appear in early summer.

Dye colour: Yellow

Dye source: Whole plant

Flowering: June - September

Other common names: Lydian broom

How to extract the dyes: 

• Soak the dried flower heads in a pot filled with 4 litres of warm water for 30 minutes. 

• Heat the dye bath to +70 °C, well below the boiling point.  

• Adding one tablespoon of washing soda or 0.5-1 dl of wood ash lye can improve the colour extraction and modify the colour from brown to orange. 

• Steep the flowers for 30 minutes to extract dye.  

For more information about the dyeing process:

Natural dyes for education and colour experimentation