Flavoparmelia caperata (L.) Hale

Common greenshield, flavoparmelia lichen

About plant names...

Here in Massachusetts, I see more of these lichens than any others. I haven't found a range map yet, but as nearly as I can tell, they occur worldwide.

Identification: This widespread lichen grows in circular patches on tree bark, and sometimes on rock. It is a pale yellow green color on top, and black below (pale brown on the edges). It is foliose (leaflike), with rounded, overlapping lobes. The apothecia (fruiting bodies) are goblet-shaped, and up to about ¼″ (6.3 mm) in diameter, but they are not present very often.

Online References:

The Island Creek Elementary School's Study of Northern Virginia Ecology

Discover Life

CalPhotos

The Stridvall Family Domain

Wikispecies

References:

Walewski, Joe, Lichens of the North Woods, Kollath+Stensaas Publishing, 2007, p. 107

4/27/2010 · Nashua River Rail Trail, Pepperell, Mass­a­chu­setts · ≈ 3½ × 2½″ (9.8 × 6.6 cm) ID is uncertain

3/17/2016 · Kibby’s Climb, Beaver Brook Conservation Area, Hollis, New Hamp­shire · ≈ 8 × 5″ (19 × 12 cm)

9/5/2009 · Willard Brook State Park, Orange Trail, Townsend, Mass­a­chu­setts · ≈ 12 × 8″ (31 × 20 cm) ID is uncertain

9/19/2009 · Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor, Maine · ≈ 6 × 9″ (14 × 22 cm)

3/17/2016 · Kibby’s Climb, Beaver Brook Conservation Area, Hollis, New Hamp­shire · ≈ 8 × 5″ (19 × 12 cm)

Flavoparmelia caperata description by Thomas H. Kent, last updated 6 May 2023.

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4/7/2010 · Nashua River Rail Trail, Groton, Mass­a­chu­setts · ≈ 7 × 11″ (18 × 27 cm) ID is uncertain

5/14/2010 · Beaver Brook Association Conservation Lands, Rte. 130, Hollis, New Hamp­shire · ≈ 8 × 5″ (19 × 13 cm) ID is uncertain

3/17/2016 · Kibby’s Climb, Beaver Brook Conservation Area, Hollis, New Hamp­shire · ≈ 6 × 9″ (16 × 23 cm)

9/19/2009 · Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor, Maine · ≈ 9 × 6″ (22 × 14 cm)

4/10/2010 · Nashua River Rail Trail, Groton, Mass­a­chu­setts · ≈ 4½ × 3″ (11 × 7.9 cm) ID is uncertain

5/12/2007 · Pepperell, Mass­a­chu­setts