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Lovable Lichens of Mendocino County

Writer's picture: Anna GardnerAnna Gardner

Updated: Jan 20

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:


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.

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Anna Towers 

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