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horsehair lichen
Scientific Name: Bryoria simplicior
Family: Parmeliaceae
Category: Lichen
Growth: Lichenous
Duration:
Other Names:
Horsehair Lichen: A Detailed Look
Horsehair lichen refers to several lichen species characterized by their distinctive, hair-like appearance. This article explores various aspects of these fascinating organisms.
Common and Scientific Names
- Common Names: Horsehair lichen, black moss, black tree lichen, edible horsehair lichen, bear hair, tree hair lichen, horsetail lichen.
- Scientific Names: The term "horsehair lichen" encompasses several species, including Bryoria fremontii, Bryoria capillaris, Bryoria nadvornikiana, Bryoria tortuosa, Bryoria furcellata, and species within the genus Alectoria, as well as Sulcaria badia.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Kingdom: Fungi
- Phylum: Ascomycota
- Class: Lecanoromycetes
- Order: Lecanorales
- Family: Parmeliaceae
- The genus Bryoria is a genus of lichenized fungi within the Parmeliaceae family.
- Synonyms include horsetail lichen.
Distribution and Habitat
- Horsehair lichens have a widespread distribution, especially in boreal and cool temperate areas.
- They are often found hanging from conifers, and less frequently hardwoods, in old-growth forest habitats.
- Observed in locations such as eastern Washington (on larch), Mount Roberts, Okanagan National Forest (Washington, USA), Glen Affric, and upstate Washington.
Morphological Characteristics
- Horsehair lichens are composed of intricately branched filaments.
- The thallus (body) consists of filaments resembling hair.
- The thallus color ranges from pale gray to dark smokey brown, hanging in clumps.
- Slender strands contain long narrow slits on the surface.
- Bryoria furcellata (Burred Horsehair Lichen) has dark brown branches with short pointed side branches.
Considerations for Pets
- Horsehair lichen are filamentous and may present a potential choking hazard if ingested by small pets.
Considerations for Children
- Horsehair lichen are filamentous and may present a potential choking hazard if ingested by young children.
Traditional Uses
- Some species of horsehair lichen (black horsehair lichen, green old man's beard lichen) have been used as a traditional food source by indigenous groups such as the Kootenais, Salish, and Blackfeet.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Often found growing alongside wolf lichen (Letharia vulpina) on trees like ponderosa pine.
Further Information
- Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, Department of Botany