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Alectoria sarmentosa: Witch's Hair Lichen

Alectoria sarmentosa, commonly known as Witch's Hair Lichen, is a fascinating organism found in various environments. It's important to remember that while often referred to as a plant, it is, in fact, a lichen – a symbiotic partnership between a fungus and a green alga.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Alectoria sarmentosa (Ach.) Ach.
• Common Name: Witch's Hair Lichen (also referred to as just Witch's Hair)
• Family: Alectoriaceae
• Kingdom: Fungi (lichens are classified within the Fungi kingdom due to the dominant fungal partner)
• Suborder: Lecanorineae
• Synonyms: The text mentions other Alectoria species with the common name "Witch's Hair", indicating potential past confusion or synonymy.

Distribution and Habitat

• This lichen is found in the Pacific Northwest, often on Douglas fir trees.
• It is also noted as growing on a western hemlock near Juneau, Alaska, and on shore pine.
• Specimens have been observed in the Scilly Isles, England.

Morphological Characteristics

• Common witch's hair is a hanging hair lichen, typically 15-30 cm long.
• It exhibits a pale green color due to the presence of the green alga in the symbiotic relationship.
• The lichen is intricately branched and lacks a central strand and soredia (reproductive structures).
• It is described as a fruticose lichen, specifically pendulous.

Ecological Role

• The text mentions that common witch's hair is a sensitive species, implying a potential role as an indicator of environmental health.
• It also mentions that it is browsed by wildlife.

Symbiotic Relationship

• Witch's Hair Lichen is a symbiotic association of a fungus and a green alga. The alga provides the lichen's greenish color.

Quirky Facts

• The common name "Witch's Hair" is also used for other Alectoria species, leading to potential confusion.

Further Information

• More information can be found in the Encyclopedia of Life.
• Additional resources may be available through the U.S. Forest Service.
• Wikipedia also has information about Alectoria sarmentosa.