SafePlants

*Cladonia* (Cup Lichen)

Cladonia, commonly known as cup lichen or pixie cup lichen, is a fascinating genus of moss-like lichens belonging to the family Cladoniaceae.

Considerations for Pets

• Several Cladonia species have upright fruiting stalks.

Considerations for Children

• The "pixie cup" designation and Shrek's ear comparison may lead to a higher risk of accidental ingestion in children, so be mindful in areas that children play.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Cladonia
• Family: Cladoniaceae
• Common Names: Cup lichen, pixie cup lichen
• Synonyms:
  • Cladonia pyxidata var. pocillum

Distribution and Habitat

• Cladonia species are boreal lichens, occurring across the boreal forest.
• They are found in various locations, including rock outcrops along the Eagle Creek Trail in the Columbia River region.
• Cladonia pyxidata grows on the forest floor, typically on logs or at the base of trees.
• Some species, like green-grey pixie cups (Cladonia species), thrive in exposed subalpine sites, growing on poor soils and fallen logs.
• Cladonia chlorophaea is common on rotting stumps in wet lowlands on the Olympic Peninsula.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Cladonia species are moss-like lichens.
• They often have cup-shaped fruiting bodies or stalks.
• Some species have structures resembling miniature golf tees (podetia).
• The pixie cup lichen (Cladonia pyxidata) features tiny cups (around 1/2 inch high).
• Variations include funnel-shaped podetia tapering towards the base, sometimes covered with corticate granules.
• Some species may have abundant, farinose soredia that sometimes enlarge.
• Cladonia monomorpha is characterized by thallus lobes with narrowly recurved margins.
• Cladonia species may have upright fruiting stalks.
• Cladonia chlorophaea has erect cup lichen hollow, cup-like growths that are unbranched, round-toothed, and curled.

Ecological Role

• Cladonia species are the primary food source for reindeer and caribou.

Traditional Uses

• When boiled with milk or syrup, Cladonia has been used as a remedy for whooping cough and chest ailments.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• As a lichen, Cladonia is a symbiotic relationship between algae and fungus.
• It can grow on moss, such as Chorisodontium.

Quirky Facts

• Some describe the appearance of Cladonia as resembling "Shrek's Ears."