Lichen

After ball moss, the most frequent question we hear that is not really a problem relates to lichen. Lichen often grows on trees, but also turns up on rocks or pretty much anything else where conditions are right. Lichens are a symbiotic organism made of algae and fungi. The alga makes energy through photosynthesis, while the fungus provides water and minerals from the substrate. The most common lichen in our area are thin, gray sheets. This is what people often see low to the ground, especially in deer-prone areas, where the protruding parts may become snacks for the local fauna.

But when you get higher in the canopy, you see all kinds of sizes, shapes, and colors. Well, several kinds. When you prune a tree, you have a lot of time to sit and look at the small stuff.


Sometimes you see splash cups, which help to distribute spores.


In the end, I'm more of an arborist than a biologist, so I just like to look at the pretty forms.

Today, it also happens to be time for redbuds to start blooming. Unfortunately, blogger doesn't seem to like so many pictures. Sorry for the random layout.