Invasive Species
As part of being a responsible forager, we love to make inks and other art supplies by harvesting and using invasive species. Some invasive species, like buckthorn, make wonderul ink plants! We'll continue to add more here about how to use invasive species in your art. Below you'll find how to use various invasive species, along with links to learn more.
For lots of great information on invasive species in Ontario, we recommend visiting the Invasive Species Centre.
Invasive Species Usable as Art Supplies
| Common Name | Uses | Add'l Information |
|---|---|---|
| Common Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica) | Ink: Purple + Green (when mixed with an alkaline solution like lye or baking soda). Dye for Wool Roving: Mustard Yellow (without modifiers) + Ruddy Pink (if the solution is made more alkaline, e.g. by adding washing soda). Wood for Crafts: Buckthorn wood is very sturdy -- we use buckthorn branches as handles for harvest baskets. |
ISC Info Page |
| Dog-Strangling Vine (Cynanchum rossicum) | DSV fibres can be made into natural paper. (Samples provided at October 4th workshop.) | Artist Joanne Rich, Sculpted Light |
| Emerald Ash Borer (Agrilus planipennis) | Wooden cookies made of ash killed by the emerald ash borer were generously provided by Lower Trent Conservation and used as work surfaces at the October 4th workshop. | ISC Info Page |