Gray Reindeer Lichen

''Cladonia rangiferina'', also known as reindeer lichen , lat., is a light-colored, fruticose lichen belonging to the Cladoniaceae family. It grows in both hot and cold climates in well-drained, open environments. Found primarily in areas of alpine tundra, it is extremely cold-hardy.

Other common names include reindeer moss and caribou moss, but these names may be misleading since it is not a moss. As the common names suggest, reindeer lichen is an important food for reindeer , and has economic importance as a result. Synonyms include ''Cladina rangiferina'' and ''Lichen rangiferinus''.

Reindeer lichen, like many lichens, is slow growing and may take decades to return once overgrazed, burned, trampled, or otherwise consumed.

A similar-looking species also known by the common name Reindeer lichen is ''Cladonia portentosa''.