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horsehair lichen
Scientific Name: Bryoria implexa
Family: Parmeliaceae
Category: Lichen
Growth: Lichenous
Duration:
Other Names:
Horsehair Lichen
Horsehair lichen is a common name used to refer to various species of lichen, especially those in the genus Bryoria.
Considerations for Pets
- Horsehair lichens consist of filaments that resemble hair, which could potentially be ingested by pets.
Considerations for Children
- Horsehair lichens consist of filaments that resemble hair, which could potentially be ingested by children.
Scientific Classification and Nomenclature
- Genus: Bryoria
- Family: Parmeliaceae
- Kingdom: Fungi (lichenized fungi)
- Synonyms: Horsetail Lichen
Common Names
- Horsehair lichen
- Black moss
- Black tree lichen
- Edible horsehair lichen
- Bear hair
- Tree hair lichen
Distribution and Habitat
- Horsehair lichens are found in boreal and cool temperate areas, with a widespread distribution.
- They often hang from conifers and, less frequently, hardwoods in old-growth forest habitats.
Morphology and Growth Habits
- Horsehair lichens are composed of intricately branched filaments.
- The thallus (body) can be pale gray to dark smokey brown, hanging in clumps with slender strands. Some species feature long narrow slits on the surface.
- They grow as crusty patches or bushy growths.
Ecological Role
- Horsehair Lichen often grows on trees.
- They have been found growing with Wolf Lichen (Letharia vulpina).
Quirky Facts
- Some species of horsehair lichen were traditionally used as food by the Kootenais, Salish, and Blackfeet.
- New species of Bryoria or "horsehair lichen" are still being discovered.