SafePlants

Nadvornik's Horsehair Lichen

Learn about Nadvornik's Horsehair Lichen (Bryoria nadvornikiana), a fascinating lichen species. This page offers information on its identification, uses, and other interesting facts.

Scientific Classification

• Scientific Name: Bryoria nadvornikiana (Gyel.) Brodo & D. Hawksw.
• Rank: Species
• Family: Parmeliaceae
• Informal Taxonomy: Fungi/Lichens - Lichens
• Synonyms: Alectoria altaica, Alectoria nadvornikiana

Common Names

• Nadvornik's Horsehair Lichen
• Spiny Gray Horsehair Lichen
• Blonde Horsehair Lichen

Distribution and Habitat

This lichen is found in various regions, including British Columbia, NB, NS, PEI, NL, LB, and PQ. It appears to be native to some areas and introduced to others. Specific nativity status is denoted by different colored rounds: blue for native, ocre for introduced, and white for no status.

Ecological Role

Bryoria nadvornikiana can serve as an indicator species for biodiversity and may be affected by air pollution. It is also considered a red-listed species in some areas, highlighting its conservation status.

Morphological Characteristics

Bryoria nadvornikiana is a lichenous plant, often described as having a thallus (body) that is black or brown and resembles horsehair. It can be pendent (hanging) or prostrate (lying flat).

Associations with Other Organisms

This lichen can be found growing over mosses. It's also listed alongside other rare species like capercaillie and jelly lichens, indicating it's part of specific ecological communities. Squirrels have been known to use lichens in nest building.

Quirky Facts

• Nadvornik is noted as a "governor" or "tutor" in some translated dictionary entries.

Further Resources

• United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
• The Lichens of British Columbia, Illustrated Keys. Part 2
• BioFokus
• Lichen herbarium, Oslo (O)
• FEIS Citation Retrieval System Keywords - CRS