Mixing the colors yellow and green together results in a new secondary color called yellow-green. Yellow-green sits between yellow and green on the color wheel and is made by blending those two primary colors together. The exact shade of yellow-green that is produced depends on the ratio of yellow to green used. Mixing equal parts yellow and green results in a bright lime yellow-green. Using more yellow makes it closer to yellow, while using more green makes it closer to green. Overall, yellow-green is a vibrant, light, and fresh-looking color.
The Color Wheel
The color wheel is a useful tool for understanding how colors mix together. The three primary colors are red, yellow, and blue. Mixing two primary colors together makes the three secondary colors:
- Red + Yellow = Orange
- Yellow + Blue = Green
- Blue + Red = Purple
Yellow and green are adjacent colors on the color wheel. When adjacent colors are blended, they make the tertiary color between them. Mixing yellow and green makes yellow-green.
The exact shade depends on the proportions used. Equal parts yellow and green makes a bright lime greenish-yellow. More yellow makes it closer to yellow, while more green makes it closer to green.
Mixing Yellow and Green Paint
Mixing yellow and green paint is the most straightforward way to visualize what color they make together. Here are some guidelines:
- Use primary paint colors like cadmium yellow and viridian green.
- Start with equal amounts and adjust from there.
- Mix thoroughly to avoid streaks.
- Add more yellow for brighter lime shades.
- Add more green for muted olive shades.
Testing different yellow and green paint ratios on a palette is a great way to see the range of yellow-greens. The more yellow vs green used, the closer to one end of the spectrum the resulting mix will be.
Mixing Yellow and Green Light
Mixing colored light works the same way as mixing paints. Combining beams of yellow and green light results in various hues of yellow-green:
- Equal intensity makes a bright lime hue.
- More intense yellow shifts towards chartreuse yellow-green.
- More intense green shifts towards spring green.
Digital color mixing uses red, green, and blue light to create all other colors. To make yellow-green, increase the green and red while lowering the blue. The yellow comes from the red + green blend.
Yellow-Green Hex Codes
Hex codes provide specific shades of yellow-green to use in digital design. Here are some common yellow-green hex codes:
| 9ACD32 | Yellow-green |
| ADFF2F | Green-yellow |
| 98FB98 | Pale green |
| 32CD32 | Lime green |
| 7FFF00 | Chartreuse |
| 7CFC00 | Lawn green |
These cover the spectrum from brighter yellow-greens to deeper greenish yellows. Add FF before the hex code to make it more intense.
Yellow and Green Color Mixing in Nature
In nature, mixing yellow and green pigments from plants, minerals, and animals creates different shades of yellow-green. Here are some examples:
- Green parakeets have yellow and green feathers.
- Chartreuse liqueurs use yellow and green herbs.
- Malachite is a mineral with yellow-green bands.
- Subtropical plants like palms have yellow-green leaves.
- Green tree frogs can be bright yellow-green.
The vibration of yellow and green wavelengths of light off these natural surfaces triggers our perception of yellow-green.
Uses for Yellow-Green Color
Some uses for yellow-green include:
- Accent colors in interior design
- Springtime marketing and branding
- Highlighting text
- Web buttons and graphics
- Packaging for eco-friendly and natural products
Lighter shades create a fresh, lively, and upbeat feeling, while darker olive shades feel more muted and retro. Overall, yellow-green is energetic and pairs well with neutral backgrounds. It’s very versatile for creating a natural springtime look.
Psychology of Yellow-Green
Psychologically, yellow-green evokes:
- Youthfulness
- Growth
- Renewal
- Vitality
- Harmony
- Balance
It represents the transition between spring and summer. Lighter shades feel energizing, while darker shades feel traditional. Yellow-green helps promote concentration and productivity. It’s optimistic without being overstimulating.
Conclusion
When yellow and green mix, they create the secondary color yellow-green. It falls between yellow and green on the color wheel. The exact shade depends on the ratio of yellow to green used. Equal parts makes a bright lime hue, more yellow is chartreuse, and more green is spring green. Yellow-green has a fresh, invigorating personality. It represents growth, renewal, and harmony in nature. Appropriate uses include accent colors, highlighting text, graphics, packaging, and springtime motifs. Overall, combining yellow and green makes a versatile color that spans from lime to olive shades.
