SafePlants

Witch's Hair Lichen (Alectoria sarmentosa)

Often referred to simply as Witch's Hair, Alectoria sarmentosa is a fascinating lichen species commonly found in certain regions. Note that "witch's hair" is also used as a common name for other Alectoria species.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Alectoria sarmentosa (Ach.) Ach.
• Common Name: Witch's Hair Lichen, Witch's Hair
• Family: Alectoriaceae
• Suborder: Lecanorineae
• Kingdom: Plantae (Note: While mentioned in the context, lichens are not actually plants. They are a symbiotic association of a fungus and algae.)
• Synonyms: The text mentions other Alectoria species such as Alectoria ochroleuca, Alectoria ochroleuca var. rigida, Alectoria imshaugii, Alectoria lata, Alectoria vancouverensis, and Alectoria nigricans, which are similar and sometimes referred to by the common name "witch's hair."

Distribution and Habitat

• Common witch's hair lichen is found on Douglas fir trees in the Pacific Northwest and on western hemlock near Juneau, Alaska.
• It is also found on shore pine trees.
• Occurrences have been observed in British Columbia, Canada and the Scilly Isles, England.

Morphological Characteristics

• Common witch's hair is a hanging hair lichen, typically 15-30 cm long.
• It is pale green and intricately branched.
• It lacks a central strand and soredia.
• Fruticose (hair) lichens consisting of tufts or tresses of semi-erect to decumbent or pendent structures.

Ecological Role

• Common witch's hair is a sensitive species, possibly indicating a sensitivity to environmental changes.

Symbiotic Relationship

• Witch's Hair is a lichen, which is a symbiotic association between a fungus and a green alga.
• The alga provides the lichen with its greenish color.

Resources

• Encyclopedia of Life: Provides articles about the Common Witch's Hair Lichen.
• U.S. Forest Service
• Australian Plant Names Index