Even though I’ve been living in New York for almost 4 years, I still feel pretty much a stranger to this area. I might know the streets and intersections, some people, and where to get the best bread, but the local flora is still pretty much a mystery to me.

As I’m always fascinated by the local sources of color, I’ve been trying to get more acquainted with the native northeastern dyeing plants. Maybe most of these will be old friends to some of you NE coasters, but maybe you’ll find new friends to play with?

Tickseed flowers

(images via small things)

Sumac berries

(image via The Oko Box)

Oak tree leaves

(images via Craft:)

Elderberry berries

(image via Flora Grubb Gardens)

Black Walnut husks and hulls

(image via lil fish studios)

And if you’re looking to learn more about dyeing with these plants, and other sources of natural dyes, there’s a Natural Dyeing class for May at the Textile Arts Center.

Natural Dyes in the Kitchen
TAC Manhattan
Thursday, 6.30-9.30
Starting May 3rd