The four lichens shown here are all cyanolichens. Lichens are a composite organism made up of a fungus and an algae – the algae does the photosynthesis, and the fungus provides shelter for the algae. In cyanolichens, the photosynthetic partner is a cyanobacteria instead of an algae (although algae may be present).
The four cyanolichens shown below are designated by COSWEIC. Three of them are listed under the Federal Species at Risk Act.
This guide should help you recognize one if you see it, and also shows a few other lichen species that are somewhat common in Newfoundland and which can sometimes be mistaken for one of the four more rare ones.
The four cyanolichens shown below are designated by COSWEIC. Three of them are listed under the Federal Species at Risk Act.
This guide should help you recognize one if you see it, and also shows a few other lichen species that are somewhat common in Newfoundland and which can sometimes be mistaken for one of the four more rare ones.
Boreal Felt Lichen (Erioderma pedicellatum)
This lichen is known from two “hotspots” on the island: The central Avalon and the Bay d’Espoir area. It is gray-brown and fuzzy in appearance; when wet it turns deep green. It’s most noticeable feature are the red round apothecia (fruiting bodies) on the surface. The underside is pale and the edges are often upturned. In Newfoundland, it is usually found on balsam fir tree trunks in older, moist forests. Designated by COSEWIC and listed under the Species At Risk Act as "Special Concern". Click here for the report Vertical Divider
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Below is a comparison of boreal felt lichen when dry and when wet. Colour can range from light gray to deep green. Click here for more photos
Vole Ears Lichen (Erioderma mollissimum)
This lichen looks very similar to Boreal Felt Lichen but does not have apothecia and its lower surface has a brownish fuzzy covering. It is much rarer in Newfoundland than E. pedicellatum but is usually found in similar habitat.
Designated by COSEWIC and listed under the Species At Risk Act as “Endangered”.
Click here for the report
For more photos click here
This lichen looks very similar to Boreal Felt Lichen but does not have apothecia and its lower surface has a brownish fuzzy covering. It is much rarer in Newfoundland than E. pedicellatum but is usually found in similar habitat.
Designated by COSEWIC and listed under the Species At Risk Act as “Endangered”.
Click here for the report
For more photos click here
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Blue Felt Lichen (Degelia plumbea)
When wet, this lichen turns bluish grey and has reddish brown apothecia (fruiting bodies). Its lead-grey colour with pale striations radiating from the centre to the edge are what make this lichen stand out. The underside is a think black “mat”. It is found on deciduous trees.
Designated by COSEWIC and listed under the Species At Risk Act as “Special Concern”.
Click here for the report
Click here for more photos click here
Click here for an ID card
When wet, this lichen turns bluish grey and has reddish brown apothecia (fruiting bodies). Its lead-grey colour with pale striations radiating from the centre to the edge are what make this lichen stand out. The underside is a think black “mat”. It is found on deciduous trees.
Designated by COSEWIC and listed under the Species At Risk Act as “Special Concern”.
Click here for the report
Click here for more photos click here
Click here for an ID card
Wrinkled Shingle Lichen (Pannaria lurida)
This lichen is brown to grey-brown when dry and olive-brown or dark green when wet. It is covered with a fuzzy cover that is usually brown to grey. Its fruiting bodies (apothecia) are red-brown disks with white-grey margins. It is found on trees and rocks.
Designated by COSEWIC as “Threatened” but not currently listed under the Species At Risk Act.
Click here for the report
Click here for more photos
This lichen is brown to grey-brown when dry and olive-brown or dark green when wet. It is covered with a fuzzy cover that is usually brown to grey. Its fruiting bodies (apothecia) are red-brown disks with white-grey margins. It is found on trees and rocks.
Designated by COSEWIC as “Threatened” but not currently listed under the Species At Risk Act.
Click here for the report
Click here for more photos