fustic

Fustic is a natural dye obtained from the wood of several species of trees belonging to the genus Maclura, primarily Maclura tinctoria, also known as the dyer's mulberry. This tree is native to Central and South America. The wood contains a yellow pigment called morin, which is the primary coloring agent. Fustic has been used for centuries to produce a range of yellow to olive-green colors on various fibers, including wool, silk, and cotton.

The process of extracting the dye involves chipping the wood and then boiling it in water. Mordants, such as alum or iron salts, are often used to improve the colorfastness and alter the hue of the resulting dye. When used with different mordants, fustic can produce shades from bright yellow to a deep olive or even a brownish-green. Historically, it was a significant dye source before the advent of synthetic yellow dyes.

While fustic is considered a relatively lightfast dye, its washfastness can vary depending on the mordant used and the fiber being dyed. It was commonly used in combination with other natural dyes to create a wider spectrum of colors. Today, fustic is still used by some artisans and textile enthusiasts who prefer natural dyeing methods, though its commercial use has largely been superseded by synthetic alternatives.