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

• Cup lichens often have small, cup-like structures (podetia) that might attract the attention of curious pets.

Considerations for Children

• The cup-like structures of Cladonia species, resembling "miniature golf-tees," could be appealing to children.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: *Cladonia*
• Common Names: Cup lichen, Pixie cup lichen
• Family: Cladoniaceae

Distribution and Habitat

• Cladonia species are found in various environments, including boreal forests and exposed subalpine sites.
• They commonly grow on mosses, logs, rocks, and poor soils.
• Specific locations mentioned include the Olympic Peninsula and the Columbia River Gorge (Eagle Creek Trail).

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Cladonia lichens are described as moss-like.
• They exhibit cup-shaped structures called podetia, sometimes described as funnel-shaped.
• The size of the cups can be quite small, around 1/2 inch high.
• Some species, like *Cladonia chlorophaea*, exhibit erect, cup-like growths.
• The exterior of the podetia can be variably clothed with corticate granules.

Quirky Facts

• Some describe the *Cladonia's* podetia as resembling "Shrek's Ears or miniature golf-tees."

Ecological Role

• Cladonia species serve as a primary food source for reindeer and caribou.

Traditional Uses

• Historically, some Cladonia species, such as *C. pyxidata* (pyxie cup lichen), have been boiled with milk or syrup as a remedy for whooping cough and chest ailments.