Mimosa Hostilis Inner Root Bark — Natural Dyeing & Craft
Nature's finest botanical for natural fabric dyeing, artisan soap making, and botanical craft. Available in powder, shredded, and chip forms. Known as Tepezcohuite in Mexico, botanical name Mimosa tenuiflora.
Our Products
Mimosa Hostilis Inner Root Bark Powder
Finely milled for maximum color release. Ideal for natural fabric dyeing and artisan soap making. Produces deep mauve and purple tones throughout the fiber or batter.
Shredded Mimosa Hostilis Inner Root Bark
Hand-processed shredded bark perfect for slow-steep dye baths and craft projects. Yields rich, long-lasting color with natural fiber mordants.
Mimosa Hostilis Inner Root Bark Chips
Whole bark chips for extended steeping and traditional dye preparation. Perfect for artisan textile work and large-batch natural dye projects.
Get in touch to inquire about sourcing.
Applications
Fabric Dyeing
Mimosa Hostilis root bark produces vibrant shades of purple, mauve, and burgundy on cotton, linen, silk, and wool. The tannin-rich bark acts as its own mordant for long-lasting, wash-fast color. Works beautifully for yardage dyeing, tie-dye, shibori, and fiber arts.
Artisan Soap Making
The fine Mimosa Hostilis powder blends smoothly into cold-process and hot-process soap batter, producing beautiful pink, mauve, and purple hues without synthetic colorants. Color develops and deepens naturally during the cure.
A Centuries-Old Tradition of Natural Color
Known as Tepezcohuite in its native Mexico, Mimosa Hostilis (Mimosa tenuiflora) root bark has been prized for centuries as a natural botanical dye and skincare ingredient in traditional Mexican craft. The inner bark is exceptionally rich in tannins that produce stunning shades of purple, mauve, and deep burgundy on cotton, linen, wool, and silk.
Today, fabric dyers and artisan soap makers worldwide rely on sustainably harvested Mimosa Hostilis root bark to bring beautiful, plant-based color to their work — without synthetic dyes or additives.
- Sustainably Harvested: Responsibly sourced from managed forests in southern Mexico.
- Quality Assured: 100% pure inner root bark, free from additives and fillers.
- For the Maker Community: Founded by craft makers, for craft makers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mimosa Hostilis root bark used for?
Mimosa Hostilis root bark (known as Tepezcohuite in Mexico, botanical name Mimosa tenuiflora) is primarily used for natural fabric dyeing — producing beautiful shades of purple, mauve, and burgundy on cotton, wool, silk, and linen — and as a natural colorant in artisan soap making. It's also used in leather tanning and natural cosmetics, though fabric dyeing and soap making are by far its most popular craft applications.
What colors can I achieve with Mimosa Hostilis root bark dye?
Depending on the mordant used and the fiber type, you can achieve a range of colors from soft pink and mauve to deep purple and burgundy. Alum mordant produces lighter mauve tones, while iron mordant deepens the color to rich plum and near-black shades. The powder form gives the most intense color, while chips provide more subtle, controlled results.
Which form should I choose — powder, shredded, or chips?
Powder is best for maximum color release and even distribution in soap batter. Shredded bark is ideal for dye baths where you want good color release with easy straining. Chips are perfect for slow-steep dye baths and traditional preparation methods. Many dyers keep all three forms on hand for different projects.
How do I prepare a natural dye bath with Mimosa Hostilis root bark?
Soak the bark in water overnight, then simmer (don't boil) for 1–2 hours. Strain the liquid to create your dye bath. For best results with fabric, pre-mordant your fibers with alum or another natural mordant before dyeing. The weight of dye material should be 50–100% of the weight of your dry fabric for rich color.
Is Mimosa Hostilis root bark legal to purchase for craft use?
Yes, Mimosa Hostilis root bark is legal to purchase in the United States for craft applications including fabric dyeing, soap making, and botanical formulation. It is a botanical product sold exclusively for legitimate craft purposes.
How should I store Mimosa Hostilis root bark?
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep in an airtight container to maintain freshness and potency. Properly stored, the bark will retain its dye properties for years. The powder form is slightly more sensitive to moisture, so extra care should be taken to keep it dry.
From the Blog
How to Make Your Own Iron Mordant for Natural Dyeing
Rusty nails, white vinegar, and four weeks. A step-by-step guide to making iron mordant at home — plus an honest look at where it outperforms ferrous sulfate, and where it doesn't.
Root Bark Harvesting: Why the Tree Keeps Growing
The tree keeps growing after harvest. Here's how selective root bark harvesting actually works — one lateral root per tree, rotated groves, hand-processed — and why careful sourcing produces better bark.
How Much Mimosa Hostilis Bark Do You Need?
The number one question from first-time buyers: how much should I order? WOF ratios, fiber types, bark forms, and how mordanting and pH shift the final color — everything you need before you buy.
How to Mordant Fabric for Natural Dyeing
A guide to alum, iron, tannin, copper, and pH — and how each one shifts the color you get from MHRB. Choosing your mordant is choosing your color, not just protecting it.
MHRB Dye: Chips, Shredded & Powder Guide
MHRB — Mimosa Hostilis Root Bark — is one of the richest natural dye sources available. Which form you use changes everything about how your dye bath behaves.
Ready to Create?
Have a question about our Mimosa Hostilis root bark? Get in touch and we'll help you find the right form and quantity for your project.