I Like Lichens

Today I learned about lichens from Laura Nappi from the Clackamas River Basin Council at a clean water event at a local community college. Among other useful information, Nappi told me that lichens are an indicator species for air quality. Some types such as lung lichen are slow-growing and are vulnerable to increased pollution. Other types are not affected by pollution. Scientists can analyze an area's air quality by the type and number of lichen growing there.

Hearing about lichen made me want to learn more. A quick read of the Backyard Nature website told me that two or even three distinct species comprise lichens. There is a fungus, an alga, and sometimes a cyanobacterium. The bacteria takes nitrogen from the air and converts it to usable food nitrogen for the lichen. All three species benefit from the symbiotic relationship. And when the lichen dies and falls to the ground, the nutrients are absorbed into the soil.

Lichens have many uses as:

• a food source for birds and other animals (only Wolf Moss is toxic to eat)
• fabric dyes in many cultures
• an antibacterial (beard lichen)
• an ingredient in perfume (oakmoss)

I look forward to noticing lichen more and learning more about this fascinating plant. -Michelle