No images found for this plant ID: 6526.
Ensure images are uploaded to the Media Library and tagged with "6526" in the "plant_image_tag" taxonomy.
American horsehair lichen
Scientific Name: Bryoria trichodes ssp. americana
Family: Parmeliaceae
Category: Lichen
Growth: Lichenous
Duration:
Other Names:
Horsehair Lichen: A Comprehensive Overview
Horsehair lichens, belonging to the genus Bryoria, are a fascinating group of organisms found in various parts of the world, particularly in North America. These lichens are known for their distinctive hair-like appearance and ecological significance.
Considerations for Pets
- Some horsehair lichens grow hanging from trees, potentially within reach of pets.
Considerations for Children
- Bryoria fremontii, also known as "edible horsehair," was traditionally steamed in pits by early Americans until melted, suggesting a history of interaction that might be interesting for educational purposes.
Nomenclature and Taxonomy
- Scientific Name: Bryoria (various species)
- Common Names: Horsehair lichen, black tree lichen, edible horsehair, black moss
- Family: Parmeliaceae (for some species, as noted for Spangled Horsehair Lichen)
- Examples of Species and Synonyms:
- Bryoria fremontii (sometimes called "tree hair lichen", "black tree lichen", or "edible horsehair")
- Bryoria trichodes (American Horsehair Lichen, including subspecies Bryoria trichodes ssp. americana)
- Bryoria capillaris ("Gray horsehair lichen," syn. Alectoria capillaris)
- Bryoria fuscescens (Pale-footed horsehair lichen)
- Bryoria nadvornikiana (Spiny gray horsehair lichen)
Distribution and Habitat
- Horsehair lichens are found in North America, including the western part of the United States, Canada (including British Columbia), and even as far north as Greenland. Some species also occur in Arctic Eurasia.
- They grow on various substrates, including tree bark, bare branches or twigs, dry needle groundcover, and open rock.
- Bryoria trichodes has been found on spruce in bog environments.
Ecological Role
- Lichens, including horsehair lichens, are considered indicators of air quality. Their presence can signify relatively pristine air.
- The "U.S. Invasive Species Impact Rank" has not yet been assessed for Gray Horsehair Lichen.
Morphological Characteristics
- Horsehair lichens have a fruticose thallus, which resembles dark brown hair or filaments.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Horsehair lichens grow with other horsehair lichens.
- They can be found on trees alongside other lichens like green old man's beard lichen.
Quirky Facts
- A newly discovered species of Bryoria ("horsehair lichen") was found by a Canadian botanical researcher, Trevor Goward, and the naming rights were available.
- Bryoria fremontii is considered "the most widely used edible lichen in North America".
Further Information
- "Keys to Lichens of North America: Revised and Expanded" published by Yale University Press
- "Lichens of North America" by Sharnoff
- McCune (2000) deals with North American Usnea species.
- Esslinger (1997) deals with Bryoria capillaris.