Methuselahs beard lichen

Appearance

This lichen is fruticose, with very long stems and short, even side branches. It is considered the longest lichen in the world. The stems are usually 15 to 30 cm in length but are sometimes much longer.

Distribution

''Usnea longissima'' is found in boreal forests and coastal woodland in Europe, Asia, and North America.

Habitat

The most frequent host of this lichen is spruce trees. It is currently on threatened status.

It grows on old trees, deciduous or coniferous, including on this nearly 100 year old pear in the Dosewallips river delta of western Washington [picture needed].