IOWA ACADEMY OP SCIENCE 
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Lithospermum arvense L. (Corn Gromwell, Printing Plant, Saltern, Bastard 
Alkanet) .contains a red dye-principle in its roots. 
L. canescens Lelim (Indian Paint, American Anchusa, Hoary Puccoon) has 
properties similar to those of L. arvense. 
L. offieinale L. (Gromwell, Stony-hard, Lichwale) has properties like those 
•of L. arvense. 
Many species of Lithospermum possess dye-principles. The North American 
Indians make a violet dye from the Blue Flax (L. angustifoUum Mx.) ; a red 
dye is obtained from the North American Alkanna (L. hirtum Lehm) ; ac- 
■cording to Norton, dye-principles are present also in L. muUiflora, S. Wats. (L. 
strictum Lehm., and L. spathulatum Mart, and Gray. 
The Borage family is rich in dye plants. Among those foreign to Iowa are 
the Alkanet {Alkanna tinctoria (L) Tausch,), the root of which yields an im- 
portant commercial dye varying from red to crimson. The Alkanna green is 
also obtained from the root. Species of Arnehia yield a violet dye. The petals 
of the Forget-me-not {Myosotis palustris Lam.) contain a dye-principle. The 
roots of Golden-drop (Onosma Emodi Wall, and 0 . eehioides L.) yield a red 
dye. Gray mentions a violet dye obtained from Plagiohothrys tenellus Gray. 
According to Chesnut, the crimson juice of the Kockh (P. eampestris Greene) 
is used by Indian women and children to stain their cheeks. Chesnut also 
speaks of the purple juice of P. ursinus A. Gray. The depth and yield of color 
will depend somewhat upon the age of the plant. Other species of Plagiohothrys^ 
according to Norton, also undoubtedly contain dye-principles. A red coloring 
material comes from Symphytum offieinata L. (Blackwort, Healing-herb, or 
Boneset). 
VERBENACEAE. 
From the Puriri (Vitex littoralis Decne.) yellow dye is obtained which needs 
the addition of alum lake to become permanent. 
LABIATAE. 
Staehys palustris L. (Hedge Nettle, Cock-head, Marsh Moundw'ort). Ac- 
cording to Plowright, a pale yellow dye from this plant is known to domestic 
use in England. S. sylvatica L. is used in the Himalaya Mountains in making 
a red dye. 
A red dye is obtained from the Chuia {Perilla arguta Benth.) and a yellow 
■dye from the Salvia {S. offieinalis L.). 
SOLANACEAE. 
According to Baron von Mueller, a violet dye is obtained from the berries 
■of Solanum guianense Don. and 8. indigoferum A. St. Hil. 
S CROPHULARIACEAE . 
From Lyperia atropurpurea Benth. of South Africa, the natives obtain an 
orange dye. 
BIGNONIACEAE. 
From Bignonia Chiea H. and B. is obtained the Chica red, a commercial dye. 
The Lapach or Taigu-wood (Teeoma Lapaeho (K) Sch.) yields a yellow dye. 
ACANTHACEAE. 
Indigo is obtained from species of Ruellia. 
