Mendocino County is home to an impressive variety of unusual lichens! The area's unique coastal climate (which is characterized by clean air, consistent moisture/year-round fog and mild temperatures) and the abundant presence of ideal living substrates (such as rocks and trees) provide the ideal environment for lichens to grow and thrive.
When walking in the woods, it would be unusual not to spot at least one of the lichens we've featured in the photos below—some of which can grow surprisingly large!
Lipstick Lichen
(Cladonia species)

Range: worldwide
Size: typically up to 1" tall
Habitat: grows on dead wood, bare soil, and sometimes rocks and the bases of trees
Historical Uses: used to treat colds, arthritis, fever, and tuberculosis
No Common Name
(Lobaria anthraspis)
Range: western North America, from Baja California to southern Alaska
Size: up to 16"
Habitat: grows on coniferous and hardwood trees, shrubs, and moss
(Hypogymnia imshaugii)

Range: western North America, from Baja California to southern Alaska
Size: typically up to 5-6"
Habitat: grows on coniferous and hardwood trees
(Usnea rubicunda)
Range: worldwide
Size: typically up to 5-6"
Habitat: grows on live or dead coniferous and hardwood trees and shrubs
Historical Uses: treating wounds, making cosmetics, and as a dye
Tree Lungwort
(Lobaria pulmonaria)

Range: worldwide
Size: up to a foot (12") or larger!
Habitat: grows on coniferous and hardwood, shrubs, mossy rocks, and rotting wood
Historical Uses: used to treat a variety of conditions, including lung diseases, asthma, hemorhages, and eczema; used as an antiseptic for wounds; contains anti-inflammatory properties and can help prevent ulcers; also used as a dye, and to make perfumes and beer
Fun Fact: may have potential to help prevent Alzheimer's disease!
Reindeer Lichen
(Cladonia portentosa)
Range: worldwide
Size: up to 2.5" tall
Habitat: grows on sandy soil, humus, or moss
Historical Uses: used to treat diarrhea, food poisoning and coughs; contains anti-inflammatory properties
Fun Fact: reindeer and caribou eat Cladonia portentosa as a primary food source during the winter
Lace Lichen
(Ramalina menziesii)

Range: western North America, from Baja California to southern Alaska
Size: up to 1 meter long!
Habitat: grows on many species of trees, including oaks, alders, bay laurels, and willows
Historical Uses: a sanitary material
Fun Facts: voted the "California state lichen" in 2015; can be used to monitor air quality due to their sensitivities to air pollution
Membranous Pelt Lichen
Range: worldwide
Size: carpets of up to 1.5" leaf-like lobes
Habitat: grows primarily on moss
Historical Uses: used to treat wounds and skin disorders; as a dye—and even as a love charm
Fun Facts: birds often use Peltigera membranacea as a nesting material
Wow! Such a marvelously mesmerizing collection of intricate shapes, patterns, textures, colors and sizes. We're likin' that lichen!
Do you have a favorite lichen?
Resources:
California Lichen Society: https://www.californialichens.org/
iNaturalist: https://www.inaturalist.org/home
Disclaimer: This blog should not be used as a reference for foragers or readers interested in lichen consumption. Please conduct your own research before foraging or consuming anything you have not purchased from a verified seller or a grocery store. Your life is your responsibility; please take it seriously.
留言