Madder

According to Rebecca Burgess’ Harvesting Color, page 162:

If havesting fresh madder, the root must be three years old to produce strong reds.

Madder [Rubia tictorum], or Common Madder, is a member of the Madder (Rubiaceae) family.  The live plants in the photos are being grown on our back porch.  Alum is used a mordant with yarn to fix the dye.

Young Madder Plant

Young Madder Plant

The Woolery - Dried Madder Root

The Woolery – Dried Madder Root

Live Madder root

Live Madder root

Horizon Herbs - Madder

Horizon Herbs – Madder