Polygonaceae Rumex hymenosepalus Torr.

Canaigre Dock

Navajo - Dye, Yellow

Use documented by:
Elmore, Francis H., 1944, Ethnobotany of the Navajo, Sante Fe, NM. School of American Research, page 43

View all documented uses for Rumex hymenosepalus Torr.

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Scientific name: Rumex hymenosepalus Torr.
USDA symbol: RUHY (View details at USDA PLANTS site)
Common names: Canaigre Dock
Family: Polygonaceae
Family (APG): Polygonaceae
Native American Tribe: Navajo
Use category: Dye
Use sub-category: Yellow
Notes: Dried, ground roots used as a yellow dye. The roots were sometimes dried and stored indefinitely. When ready for use, the dried roots were ground. By this aging process, various shades were obtained, from a greyed yellow to a dull red. Several handfuls of the fresh roots boiled in water yield a lemon yellow, and when more of the root was used and boiled longer, a soft orange or orange brown was obtained. If the mixture was boiled in an iron vessel, the reaction formed a red brown or mahogany dye. When mixed with indigo, a green dye was produced.

RECRD: 2817 id: 35382

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