A Cladonia Lichen

Going out on another limb I am going to guess that this lichen is Cladonia uncialis. Commonly called Thorn Pixie Lichen or Thorn Lichen. It was growing on a moss covered expanse of granite with many different kinds of lichens and mosses up to a depth of 10cm!

comments (9)

Ferdy Christant

Lion

Resilient life, amazing! Posted 5 years ago
1. gary fast
  
  Lion
  
  Truly! It never ceases to amaze me how much is growing around here... in winter. Posted 5 years ago
2. 1. Ferdy Christant
    
    Lion
    
    I hope Lisa and Christine see this, they're awesome at identifying lichen. Posted 5 years ago
  2. 1. gary fast
      
      Lion
      
      Yes, it would be nice to have confirmation on the ID or some opinions. It would make the wet knees and elbows worth it! Posted 5 years ago
    2. 1. Ferdy Christant
        
        Lion
        
        It was worth it in any case, as we see the result :) Posted 5 years ago

gary fast

Lion

“The Macrolichens of the Pacific Northwest” states “Podetia highly branched... ultimate branches forming small whorls around open axils;... on soil and mosses; widespread, northern, rare in PNW [Pacific Northwest]...... C. uncialis”

Also this link with photo seems extremely similar,
https://lichenportal.org/cnalh/imagelib/imgdetails.php?imgid=193812
Posted 5 years ago
1. Ferdy Christant
  
  Lion
  
  Looks convincing to me, although I may not be the person needing to be convinced, have no skills in this area. I'd suggest to go ahead with the ID, and you can declare it a tentative ID. Posted 5 years ago
2. 1. Ferdy Christant
    
    Lion
    
    Oh duh, it was already identified :) Posted 5 years ago
  2. 1. gary fast
      
      Lion
      
      Yes, after looking at all the photos on any site I could go to the evidence seemed to be pointing in that direction. It seems when I read the intro to “Macrolichens of the Pacific Northwest” it concentrates on Washington and Oregon and into southern B.C. we are north of that so fit into their description. Also, there are many confirmed sightings in our area and south of us. Posted 5 years ago