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Old Man's Beard
Scientific Name: Usnea trichodea Ach.
Common Name: Old Man’s Beard, or Bony Beard Lichen.
Habitat: In Arkansas, it is most often found growing on the branches of cedar trees in microhabitats where high humidity or fog is common in the winter. The Old Man’s Beard in these photos was found growing on cedar trees, on the edge of a bluff, on the overlook trail at Big Creek Natural Area.
Facts: This is the longest and most pendulous lichen in our region, able to reach lengths of 30 cm (2.54 centimeters equals 1 inch). It typically grows 1 cm to 3 cm a year, only becoming active when temperatures are around 50°F. It is an epiphyte, meaning it grows on another plant but does not harm its host, and is a fruticose (shrubby) lichen that takes in moisture from water vapor.
Uses: Old Man’s Beard is an important food source and nesting material for some birds and small mammals. The genus Usnea contains usnic acid, which is an antibiotic used commercially in Asia and Eruope.
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*Dr. Douglas Jeffries is a Professor of Biology and Environmental Studies at the University of the Ozarks. His main area of study is Plant Ecology, and he teaches a class in Lichenology which is his professional hobby.
Update Date:
January, 14 2010