Gotta Love Lichens
Anyone who spends time outdoors will likely see them somewhere—the splotches of mold-like or moss-like growths on rocks, trees, or buildings. But they’re not mold or moss at all. They’re lichen.
I always notice them on my hikes, especially the ones that cover the plentiful rock faces here in the Black Hills. How a living thing can survive on a seemingly inhospitable surface is quite applause-worthy. Little did I know, however, how diverse and helpful lichen can be.
Some quick lichen research from the US Forest Service yielded interesting information. I for one, am most familiar with crustose lichen—the flat ones that spread across boulders. I did not realize that more extravagant varieties existed. I mean, take a look at witch’s hair, or old man’s beard. Wow! They can be very dramatic. I just assumed those were a type of moss.
Also unknown to me was the fact that lichen are an indicator species. They absorb whatever is in their environment, including pollutants. So if you see a lot of lichen, that’s a good thing. It means the air and water in the area are clean.
From an artistic standpoint, I like the patterns and aesthetic appeal that lichen add. Imagine all the boulders without their patina of lichen...or the forest trees without the mysterious garlands of lichen gently swaying in the breeze. Take those away and the picture becomes a little more stark, a little less appealing.
That’s why you gotta love lichens!
Crustose lichen in the Black Hills National Forest