Chinese: 槐米

English: Black Locust 

Scientific Name: Flos Sophorae Immaturus

Part: Bud

Category: Plant

 

Black locust, or Robinia pseudoacacia, is a deciduous tree native to North America that is now found in many other parts of the world, including Europe and Asia. It is a fast-growing tree that can reach heights of up to 25 meters, with a spreading crown and distinctive white flowers.

 

Black locust wood is known for its strength and durability, and has been used for a variety of purposes, such as fence posts, railroad ties, and furniture. The wood is also valued for its high energy content, and is sometimes used as a biofuel.

 

To use black locust bark as a natural dye can produce a range of colors, from light to dark brown, the bark is typically harvested in the spring or fall when the tree is dormant. The bark is then stripped from the tree and boiled in water to extract the tannins. The fabric is then soaked in the dye bath for several hours or overnight, depending on the desired color intensity.

 

While black locust bark can be an effective natural dye, it is important to note that the bark contains toxic compounds that can be harmful if ingested or inhaled. It is important to take precautions when handling black locust bark, such as wearing gloves and a mask, and to dispose of any waste materials properly.

 

刺槐，又名刺槐，是原產於北美的落葉樹，現在在世界許多其他地方都有發現，包括歐洲和亞洲。 它是一種快速生長的樹，最高可達 25 米，樹冠展開，開出與眾不同的白色花朵。

 

刺槐木以其強度和耐用性而著稱，用於多種用途，例如柵欄柱、鐵路枕木和家具。木材還因其高能量含量而受到重視，有時被用作生物燃料。

 

使用刺槐樹皮作為天然染料，可以產生從淺棕色到深棕色的一系列顏色。樹皮通常在春季或秋季樹木休眠時採收。人們從樹上剝下樹皮並在水中煮沸以提取單寧，然後將織物浸泡在染浴中數小時或過夜，具體取決於所需的顏色強度。

 

雖然刺槐樹皮是有效的天然染料，但是其樹皮含有有毒化合物，攝入或吸入後可能有害。處理刺槐樹皮時必須採取預防措施，例如戴上手套和口罩，並妥善處理任何廢料。