I research plants that are Native to North America that can provide bast fiber for textile applications. (Linen from flax plants and hemp from cannabis are famous bast fiber plants from Europe and Asia.)
Native Americans have tended plants like dogbane hemp and swamp milkweed for fiber production since time immemorial. I hope to collaborate with Indigenous fiber practitioners as I continue in my research.
I’ve found that all species of bluestar and some species of false indigo (which are popular garden plants that are native to North America) also provide excellent fiber.
As the global climate change and biodiversity crises proceed unabated, it’s important to explore alternative fiber sources that might support resilient ecosystems into the future.
