SafePlants

Lung Lichen (Lobaria pulmonaria)

Lobaria pulmonaria, commonly known as lung lichen, tree lungwort, lung moss, oak lungs, or oak lungwort, is a fascinating lichen species with a long history and unique ecological role.

Considerations for Pets

• This lichen grows on tree bark and mossy rocks, locations accessible to some pets.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Lobaria pulmonaria (L.) Hoffm.
• Synonym: Sticta pulmonaria (L.) Biroli.
• Common Names: Lung lichen, tree lungwort, lung moss, oak lungs, oak lungwort, lungwort.
• Family: Lobariaceae
• Group: Lichen

Description and Habitat

• Lung lichen is a large, bright green, leaf-like lichen with ridges and lobes, resembling lung tissue or lettuce leaves.
• It is an epiphytic lichen, meaning it grows on trees, particularly old deciduous trees, and mossy rocks.
• Lobaria pulmonaria is widely distributed in the northern part of the northern hemisphere, including North America.

Ecological Role

• This lichen is an indicator species of ancient forests.
• It is a composite organism containing three different species in symbiosis: an ascomycete fungus, a green algal partner, and a cyanobacterium.

Traditional Uses

• Historically, lung lichen was used to treat minor respiratory ailments, tuberculosis, pneumonia, and other lung diseases due to its physical resemblance to the lungs.

Quirky Facts

• Lobaria pulmonaria is a composite organism comprised of three different species belonging to three different kingdoms of organisms, existing in symbiosis.
• Its resemblance to lung tissue led to its historical use in treating lung-related illnesses based on the "doctrine of signatures."
• In Britain, this lichen serves as an indicator of environmental quality.

Further Resources

• Discover Life: Discover Life offers information about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Lobaria pulmonaria.