There is a common link between Oak Rag, Staghorn, and Old Man’s Beard and that is that they are all common names for various lichens, all of which grow on oak trees here in the Pacific Northwest. Perhaps they are known by other common names in your area but chances are extremely good that similar lichens grow in your vicinity since there are approximately 600 varieties of oak trees in the world. Since lichens can grow in even the harshest environment, it’s a good bet that they can be found on oak trees throughout the world.
Lichens can take many, many years to grow so it is very essential to take care when harvesting them, taking only a small portion of what is available. The lichens discussed in this article were all collected as windfall after a storm and grow abundantly in the Pacific Northwest. Still I collected only a small percentage of the windfall.
Lichens can be used in two ways to dye wool:
1. Simmering. Be careful not to boil. Depth of color can be regulated by the length of time that
the lichen bath is allowed to simmer.
2. Fermenting. Cut the lichens into small bits (or run dried lichens through a grinder). Then put them into a large jar with 2 parts water to 1 part non-sudsing ammonia. Put the jar in a warm place and open and stir several times for a few days. Then let it sit for a month or so.
Note: Place the lichens in an old nylon stocking before adding any wool to the mix. Cut up pieces of dried plant material and wool mix very well and this is not a good thing. Don’t ask how I know this; just trust me on this point. Actually, once the lichens have been prepared, the dye bath can be strained.
STAGHORN
Staghorn is named for its appearance - it looks just like tiny little antlers. It is grayish green in color, appearing whitish on the bottom when fresh.
Simmering it will give a range of tans, browns, and yellows.
Fermenting it (a process called maceration) will give a range of pinks to purples.
OLD MAN’S BEARD
Again, this lichen is named for what it resembles.
Simmering will give a range of yellows to golds. Simmer for 30 minutes to 3 hours.
Purples are possible by maceration.
OAK RAG
Oak Rag is also known as Lobaria Pulmonaria because it resembles lung tissue.
Simmered from 12 to 24 hours, this lichen gives shades of golds, rust, and orange.
