Cladina stellaris (Opiz) Brodo

Star-tipped reindeer lichen, star-tipped cup lichen, star reindeer lichen

This lichen is circumpolar, occurring above the Arctic Circle and below the Antarctic Circle. In North America, it occurs throughout much of Canada and the northern United States, in forests of cone-bearing trees (boreal forests). I once believed the term “reindeer lichen” referred to the antler-like branching of the lichens. Actually, though, they are preferred forage for reindeer and caribou.

Identification: Star-tipped reindeer lichen is a fruticose lichen: it looks like a miniature shrub. They are densely branched, and lack a main stem. They form compact, rounded mounds.

Habitats: Boreal and arctic regions, on bare soil, rocks, or gravel.

Similar species.

Online References:

References:

Older scientific or horticultural names

Cladina stellaris description by Thomas H. Kent, not updated.

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