Identification: Clueless in NC.....mailbox post

I'm a new homeowner in Hampstead, NC. It's a coastal area. I noticed these lovely green things growing on the mailbox post and would like to know what they are. Can anyone help?

Thank you.

kath

 

Lichens. There two different species in the photo.

 

Thank you, Michael.

I guessed I was in the right area. I'm hoping for a more specific/exotic/romantic name on the little green guys.

 

Possibly a Cladina species. I'm trying to think of what else it could be, and coming up short.

 

The "branched" lichen is a species of Usnea. The other one could be Parmotrema arnoldii.

 

Ah, fair enough. I usually associate Usnea with hanging, "bearded" lichens, but I see now that there are instances (particularly when young) when they'll be upright like this.

 

Hi Kath,

What you have there are a couple immature Bushy Beard lichens (Usnea strigosa). When mature, they have pale disk-like fruiting bodies, which are fringed.

 

Bushy beard...I love it! Thanks for all your help everyone.

k