PROTECTING WISCONSIN'S BIODIVERSITY

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

Bush Beard Lichen (Usnea strigosa)

State Status: SC

Federal Status: none

State Rank: S1

Global Rank: G5

Photo by Samuel Brinker

Counties with Mapped NHI Occurrences

Bush Beard Lichen (Usnea strigosa), a Wisconsin Special Concern lichen, is found on tree bark in a variety of habitats across the state.

Identification

Bush beard lichen is a fruticose lichen that is distinctive in its small, tufted appearance, almost like a club moss with broad discs at the end of each branch or a short bristly greenbrier. This short stature, abundant fibrils make it easy to separate from the other beard lichens in Wisconsin. Apothecia are common at branch tips, discs are beige to grey-green, stalkless, with fibrils on margins. The thallus is fruticose, grey-green, tufted or short-pendant, and 5-8cm long. Branches are short and cord-like. Fibrils are abundant and perpendicular to main branches. Papillae are absent, medulla is red or white.

Phenology and Reproduction

Phenology

Soredia and isidia are absent.

Habitat

Bush beard lichen is found on tree bark in a variety of habitats across the state.

Associated species include black ash, tamarack, white spruce, and birch.

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

Bush Beard Lichen (Usnea strigosa)

Rare Species & Natural Communities

Additional Resources

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