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horsehair lichen
Scientific Name: Bryoria fuscescens
Family: Parmeliaceae
Category: Lichen
Growth: Lichenous
Duration:
Other Names:
Horsehair Lichen (Bryoria spp.)
The term "horsehair lichen" refers to various lichen species, particularly those within the genus Bryoria. These lichens are known for their distinctive appearance, resembling tangled strands of hair hanging from trees.
Considerations for Pets and Children
- Horsehair lichens consist of intricately branched filaments.
- They often hang from trees, potentially within reach of pets and children.
- Some sources note traditional uses of certain Bryoria species as food by indigenous peoples.
Scientific Classification
- Genus: Bryoria
- Family: Parmeliaceae
- Kingdom: Fungi
- Phylum: Ascomycota
- Class: Lecanoromycetes
- Synonyms: The term "horsehair lichen" is also associated with the genus Alectoria.
Common Names
- Horsehair lichen
- Tree hair lichen
- Black tree lichen
- Edible horsehair (referring to specific edible species like Bryoria fremontii)
- Gray Horsehair Lichen (Bryoria capillaris)
- Burred Horsehair Lichen (Bryoria furcellata)
Distribution and Habitat
Bryoria lichens have a widespread distribution, especially in boreal and cool temperate areas. They are often found hanging from conifers and, less frequently, hardwoods. Specifically mentioned locations include eastern Washington and the inland temperate rainforests.
Morphological Characteristics
- The thallus (lichen body) is typically long and ranges in color from pale gray to dark smoky brown.
- It hangs in clumps, with slender strands containing long, narrow slits on the surface.
- Bryoria furcellata (Burred Horsehair Lichen) has dark brown branches with short, pointed side branches.
Ecology
- Often found in old-growth forest habitats.
- Hanging tree lichens, including black horsehair lichen and green old man's beard lichen, have been used as a traditional food source by groups such as the Kootenais, Salish, and Blackfeet.
Quirky Facts
- Several different English names have been recently invented for horsehair lichen, including "black moss" and "edible horsehair lichen."
Further Information
For more information, you can consult botanical databases and herbaria, such as the Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, Department of Botany.