Originally native to the prairies of North America it is now cultivated world-wide and comes in a range of yellows and reds or, like Coreopsis tinctoria, yellow with red centres. It’s also thought to have been used by the early civilisations of Central and South America.  Sometimes called ‘tickseed’, a reference to its insect-like seeds, the plant was reportedly used in bedding to ward off bedbugs. 

Colours obtained - Coreopsis tinctoria is rich in dyestuffs including luteolin (yellow) and morin (the orange component of fustic) giving deep burnt oranges and, if a high enough WOF (weight of fibre) ratio is used, you can achieve redder hues. Coreopsis is also sensitive to PH so adjusting with alkalines or acids can result in helpful colour changes. 

For a fantastic guide to using flowers in natural dyes, visit this link: https://botanicalcolors.com/dye-flower-instructions/

Please remember to keep your dyeing tools and equipment separate from those used for cooking. This ensures that any leftover dyes, chemicals, or residues from the dyeing process don’t contaminate your food, keeping both your culinary and crafting experiences safe and enjoyable.