Dolichousnea longissima

Dolichousnea longissima (Methuselah's Beard Lichen) on small branches and twigs of black spruce, balsam fir, red maple, and yellow birch in a sunny opening in a conifer swamp. Lichens are from 1 meter to 4 meters above the ground. Many with multiple strands close to a meter long.

comments (5)

Christine Young

Lion

Beautiful! They are so long! Posted 6 years ago
1. Gary B
  
  Lion
  
  They are long which is a good thing since for years this lichen was thought to be just holding on in MN. I was in some prime spots for this lichen last year. Found it in poor conifer swamp habitat types and upland woods. This one up above was from a massive colony. Posted 6 years ago
2. 1. Christine Young
    
    Lion
    
    Nice! It's definitely an impressive shot!
    
    I don't think I've ever seen it in CT, but I used to find it a lot when I lived in Maine. I *think* it's the longest lichen in the world. Posted 6 years ago
  2. 1. Gary B
      
      Lion
      
      I don't think CT has the right humidity and cool summer climate for it. But Maine certainly would. Lichens of North America says it can grow to 3 meters long. Posted 6 years ago
    2. 1. Christine Young
        
        Lion
        
        Very true! Posted 6 years ago

The Methuselah's Beard Lichen

"Dolichousnea longissima", commonly known by the names old man's beard or Methuselah's beard lichen, is a fruticose lichen in the family Parmeliaceae.

Info 5 0

Similar species: Lecanorales

Species identified by Gary B