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dust lichen

Scientific Name: Chrysothrix chlorina

Family: Chrysotrichaceae

Category: Lichen

Growth: Lichenous

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Dust Lichens: A Comprehensive Overview

Dust lichens encompass species within the genera Chrysothrix and Lepraria. These lichens are often recognized by their powdery or dusty appearance.

Considerations for Pets

  • Dust lichens can have a crustose growth habit, which might make them grow on rocks or tree bark that animals could come into contact with.

Scientific Classification and Nomenclature

  • Genus: Chrysothrix and Lepraria
  • Species Examples:
    • Lepraria incana ((L.) Ach.)
    • Lepraria lobificans Nyl.
    • Chrysothrix candelaris
    • Chrysothrix chlorina (Synonym: Lepraria chlorina)
  • Order: Lecanorales
  • Family: Stereocaulaceae (for some Lepraria species and Lobed Dust Lichen), Chrysotrichaceae (for Chrysothrix candelaris)
  • Kingdom: Fungi
  • Phylum: Ascomycota (Sac Fungi)
  • Class: Lecanoromycetes

Common Names

  • Dust Lichen
  • Fluffy Dust Lichen
  • Mustard Powder Lichen
  • Gold Dust Lichen
  • Sulphur Dust Lichen
  • Maple Dust Lichen

Distribution and Habitat

  • Dust lichens are found in various locations, including:
    • California
    • Eagle Lake in Morehead, Kentucky (Deciduous forest)
    • Washington Co., Maryland
    • Charles Co., Maryland
    • Germany
    • Pacific Northwest (on evergreen trees like Douglas Fir)
    • Great Smoky Mountains National Park
  • They commonly grow on:
    • Shaded rocks
    • Mosses
    • Tree trunks (especially bark)
    • Old barns

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Sterile crustose lichens consisting of a layer of soredia.
  • Appear as a layer of "dust" on the substrate.
  • Colors range from:
    • Yellowish-green to pale green
    • Bright green to yellow-green to sulphur yellow
    • Blue-grey to greenish
    • Bright yellow (Mustard Powder/Gold Dust Lichen)
  • Texture:
    • Powdery (leprose)
    • Fuzzy/dusty
    • Can be thin or thicker in places

Reproduction

  • Reproduce asexually through soredia and isidia.
  • Do not show ascocarps.

Ecological Role

  • Some Lepraria species are tolerant of moderate to high levels of pollution and can serve as indicator species.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Grow on tree bark, rocks, and mosses.

Further Information

  • Field Guide to California Lichens, Stephen Sharnoff, Yale University Press, 2014.
  • Wikimedia Commons for images (e.g., Gold Dust Lichen).
  • Catalogue of Life: 2012 Annual Checklist