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Horsehair Lichen (Bryoria spp.)

Horsehair lichen refers to various lichen species, particularly those belonging to the genus Bryoria. Several common names exist, including black moss, black tree lichen, and edible horsehair lichen, though some may be recently coined.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Genus: Bryoria
• Family: Parmeliaceae
• Kingdom: Fungi
• Phylum: Ascomycota
• Class: Lecanoromycetes
• Order: Lecanorales
• Synonyms: Horsetail lichen (for some species)
• Related Taxon: Sulcaria badia (bay horsehair lichen)

Distribution and Habitat

• Widespread distribution, especially in boreal and cool temperate areas.
• Often found hanging from conifers or, less frequently, hardwoods.
• Found in old-growth forest habitats.
• Observed in locations such as eastern Washington, Okanagan National Forest (Washington, USA), Glen Affric, and upstate Washington.
• Canadian botanical researcher Trevor Goward discovered a new species of Bryoria in the inland temperate rainforest.

Morphological Characteristics

• Composed of intricately branched filaments.
• Thallus (body) can be long, pale gray to dark smokey brown.
• Grows in hanging clumps.
• Slender strands may contain long, narrow slits on the surface.
• Bryoria furcellata ("Burred Horsehair Lichen") has dark brown branches with short pointed side branches.

Traditional Uses

• Hanging tree lichens (including black horsehair lichen) have been traditionally used as food by the Kootenais, Salish, and Blackfeet.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Frequently found growing on larch trees (Laryx).
• May be found growing alongside wolf lichen (Letharia vulpina).

Further Information

• Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, Department of Botany.