Our buckthorn berry extract is produced from the berries of Rhamnus cathartica L., also known as European buckthorn, purging buckthorn, or simply buckthorn. Native to Europe, northwest Africa, and western Asia, this species was introduced to North America in the 19th century as an ornamental shrub and is now considered invasive in parts of the U.S. and Canada.

Historically, buckthorn berries were used in Europe to produce sap green pigments and as a source of dye for textiles. Today, the extract provides stable, lightfast color with a unique range from sunny yellows to deep khaki greens, depending on mordant and modifiers.

Active dye components: rhamnetin (flavonol glycoside derivatives)
CI Natural Green 2

Shading Tips

• Alum-mordanted protein and aluminium lactate–mordanted cellulose: bright yellows
• Slightly alkaline bath (with soda ash): warmer, saturated yellows
• Post-mordant with ferrous sulfate: khaki greens
• Excellent in print pastes and inks