PROTECTING WISCONSIN'S BIODIVERSITY

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Scientific Name	Common Name	Global Rank	State Rank	Federal Status	WI Status

Fringed Rosette Lichen (Physcia tenella)

State Status: SC

Federal Status: none

State Rank: S1

Global Rank: G5

Photo by Udo Schmidt

Counties with Mapped NHI Occurrences

Fringed Rosette Lichen (Physcia tenella), a Wisconsin Special Concern lichen, is found most often on tree bark toward the base of the tree but occasionally on rock.

Identification

Fringed rosette lichen has apothecia that are common on upper surface, black discs on short stalks or without stalks. Its thallus is foliose and dichotomously branched. The upper surface is white to grey-green, often with tiny blocks spots. Branches are linear with long-ciliate tips, cilia grade from translucent to white to black. Rhizines on lower surface.

Distinguishing Characteristics and Similar Species

It can be distinguished from P ascendens, by its flat and narrow branch tips (vs ones that curl in toward each other, forming tube-like hoods). It can be distinguished from Hypogymnia physodes by its long-ciliate margins (vs none).

Phenology and Reproduction

Phenology

Soredia are on the narrow, flat margins of lobe tips.

Habitat

Fringed rosette lichen is found most often on bark toward the base of the trees but occasionally on rock.

Associated species include Fraxinus nigra and Acer rubrum.

Wildlife Action Plan

Associated Natural Communities and Ecological Landscapes

Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) are associated with habitats (or natural communities) and places on the landscape. Understanding relationships among SGCN, natural communities and ecological landscapes help us make decisions about issues affecting SGCN and their habitat and how to respond. Download the Wildlife Action Plan association score spreadsheet to explore rare species, natural communities and ecological landscape associations

Issues/Threats and Conservation Actions

Conservation actions respond to issues or threats, which adversely affect species of greatest conservation need (SGCN) or their habitats. Besides actions such as restoring wetlands or planting resilient tree species in northern communities, research, surveys and monitoring are also among conservation actions described in the Wisconsin Wildlife Action Plan because lack of information can threaten our ability to successfully preserve and care for natural resources.

PROTECTING WISCONSIN'S BIODIVERSITY

Fringed Rosette Lichen (Physcia tenella)

Rare Species & Natural Communities

Additional Resources

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