This subsequently got me to wondering what plants (or other sources of pigment) might be suitable if one wanted to design a district tartan -- for example, a new Massachusetts tartan -- using natural dyes that are native to the region. (I'd imagine you could get a very nice red from cranberries!)
An excellent question and discussion starter, Tim!

One of the ideas I had for a tartan for the Ozarks was using natural colors from various plants associated with the region, such as the Osage Orange tree, Pokeberries and Black Walnuts or "Butternut", all of which were well-known to the early Ulster-Scots settlers of the Ozarks.

Regards,

Todd