Sumac - Foraging & Botanical Dyeing
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Visit this link to learn more and register: hornfarmcenter.org/civimessages/event/info/?reset=1&id=1375
To check out all of the Horn Farm's upcoming foraging classes, head to hornfarmcenter.org/foraging/
🔴🔴🔴
Every summer across the northwest, miles of roadways and field edges erupt with conspicuous, crimson-colored cones. These unusual structures–which are actually clusters of fuzzy fruits–belong to a hardy plant commonly known as “sumac.”
The name “sumac” can stir confusion. Some people think of a tangy spice popular in West Asian and Mediterranean cuisine; others imagine a toxic plant they’re told not to touch. As far as common names go, both groups are correct. But like many generalizing terms, “sumac” has a tendency to cloud our vision. The consequences include mistaken identity, misplaced fear, and missed opportunities to explore a valuable local source of food, medicine, dye, and more.
Demystify the fascinating world of sumac with us during a day of foraging and craft-making at the Horn Farm. After learning how to distinguish the plants commonly known as “sumac,” as well as their lookalikes, we’ll get to know the most common species of true sumac in southern PA–staghorn sumac (Rhus typhina).
🧺Foraging & Ecology🧺
Visiting staghorn sumac in the field, we’ll cover how to process its delectable fruits for flavoring and tea. We’ll also discuss other uses, ethical harvest practices, and the ecology of staghorn and related sumacs. General foraging tips and insights will be shared. Along the way, you will get to sample a cold sumac beverage and sumac spice.
👕Botanical Dyeing👕
For the second portion of this class, we’ll learn how to transform the fruits and leaves of staghorn sumac into wearable colors. Botanical dye artist Chelsea Thompson of earthencolor will walk us through the process of extracting earthy, durable pigments and transferring them to textiles. You will get to dye two take-home items in the class using the shibori (tie-dye) and bundle-dying methods.
Join us to expand your perspective—not just on sumac, but on the many ways we can engage with local plants in our daily lives.
🔴🔴🔴
SEE CLASS WEBPAGE for full program details and a link to register: hornfarmcenter.org/civimessages/event/info/?reset=1&id=1375
Led by the Horn Farm's Education and Outreach Specialist, Andrew Leahy, in collaboration with botanical dye artist Chelsea Thompson of earthencolor (earthencolor.com/)
Standard cost is $63/person. Sliding scale options are available to support accessibility.
To check out all of the Horn Farm's upcoming foraging classes, head to hornfarmcenter.org/foraging/
🔴🔴🔴
Every summer across the northwest, miles of roadways and field edges erupt with conspicuous, crimson-colored cones. These unusual structures–which are actually clusters of fuzzy fruits–belong to a hardy plant commonly known as “sumac.”
The name “sumac” can stir confusion. Some people think of a tangy spice popular in West Asian and Mediterranean cuisine; others imagine a toxic plant they’re told not to touch. As far as common names go, both groups are correct. But like many generalizing terms, “sumac” has a tendency to cloud our vision. The consequences include mistaken identity, misplaced fear, and missed opportunities to explore a valuable local source of food, medicine, dye, and more.
Demystify the fascinating world of sumac with us during a day of foraging and craft-making at the Horn Farm. After learning how to distinguish the plants commonly known as “sumac,” as well as their lookalikes, we’ll get to know the most common species of true sumac in southern PA–staghorn sumac (Rhus typhina).
🧺Foraging & Ecology🧺
Visiting staghorn sumac in the field, we’ll cover how to process its delectable fruits for flavoring and tea. We’ll also discuss other uses, ethical harvest practices, and the ecology of staghorn and related sumacs. General foraging tips and insights will be shared. Along the way, you will get to sample a cold sumac beverage and sumac spice.
👕Botanical Dyeing👕
For the second portion of this class, we’ll learn how to transform the fruits and leaves of staghorn sumac into wearable colors. Botanical dye artist Chelsea Thompson of earthencolor will walk us through the process of extracting earthy, durable pigments and transferring them to textiles. You will get to dye two take-home items in the class using the shibori (tie-dye) and bundle-dying methods.
Join us to expand your perspective—not just on sumac, but on the many ways we can engage with local plants in our daily lives.
🔴🔴🔴
SEE CLASS WEBPAGE for full program details and a link to register: hornfarmcenter.org/civimessages/event/info/?reset=1&id=1375
Led by the Horn Farm's Education and Outreach Specialist, Andrew Leahy, in collaboration with botanical dye artist Chelsea Thompson of earthencolor (earthencolor.com/)
Standard cost is $63/person. Sliding scale options are available to support accessibility.
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Where is it happening?
4945 Horn Rd, Hallam, PA, United States, Pennsylvania 17406, 4945 Horn Rd, Hellam Twp, PA 17406-9018, United States, Yorklyn
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
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Host or PublisherHorn Farm Center
