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horsehair lichen
Scientific Name: Bryoria trichodes ssp. trichodes
Family: Parmeliaceae
Category: Lichen
Growth: Lichenous
Duration:
Other Names:
Horsehair Lichen: A Detailed Overview
Horsehair lichen is a common name applied to various lichen species, particularly those belonging to the genus Bryoria. These lichens are known for their distinctive, hair-like appearance, often hanging from trees.
Considerations for Pets
- Horsehair lichens are filamentous and could potentially be ingested by pets.
Considerations for Children
- These lichens are found in clumps, and the slender strands may be interesting to young children.
Scientific Classification and Nomenclature
- Genus: Bryoria
- Family: Parmeliaceae
- Kingdom: Fungi
- Other Scientific Names: Sulcaria badia, Alectoria
Common Names
- Horsehair lichen
- Black moss
- Black tree lichen
- Edible horsehair lichen
- Tree hair lichen
- Bear hair
- Horsetail lichen
Distribution and Habitat
- Bryoria species have a widespread distribution, particularly in boreal and cool temperate areas.
- They are often found hanging from conifers and less frequently from hardwoods in old-growth forest habitats.
- Observed in locations such as eastern Washington and upstate Washington.
- Also observed near Canyon Creek.
- Glen Affric
Morphological Characteristics
- Horsehair lichens are composed of intricately branched filaments.
- The thallus (body) can be long and range in color from pale gray to dark smoky brown.
- The slender strands of the thallus contain long, narrow slits on the surface.
- Some species, like *Bryoria furcellata* (Burred Horsehair Lichen), have dark brown branches with short, pointed side branches.
Quirky Facts
- Several different English names have been recently invented for horsehair lichen.
- Some species have been traditionally used as food by indigenous groups such as the Kootenais, Salish, and Blackfeet.
Ecological Role
- Often found growing with wolf lichen (*Letharia vulpina*).
Additional Information
- Bryoria fremontii is sometimes referred to as "tree hair lichen," "black tree lichen," or "edible horsehair."
- Bryoria nadvornikiana is also known as Spiny Gray Horsehair Lichen.