Hi @Frog , thank you for the genus ID! I just checked with UV light tonight and there is no discernible fluorescence. “Xantho” is probably a misnomer for this one, even if it belongs to this genus. The microclimate of our yard is unique. Every morning moisture from the ocean seeps through the woods into our yard and mosses, lichens and other things, like Japanese maples love it. Temperature is also different from the surrounding area, cooler when it is very hot elsewhere and warmer when it is too cold in the vicinity. I try to keep the look of the yard as natural as possible, definitely it is not the place for a typical garden. I guess somebody said some time ago that one should not put a garden between the house and the “view”. We are very lucky that our house is surrounded by great natural views, but that limits what one can/should do with the space. I am focused on maintenance and encouraging local species.
@Nik - Sounds like you have an interesting habitat there! Suggest comparing with Xanthoparmelia plittii.
I heard that quote for the first time not long ago while watching 'The Gardener', a video about "Les Quatre Vents", Frank Cabot's famous 20-acre garden in Quebec. The Gardener Hear Frank explaining how that realization was a turning point in his designs for the garden. You will find it at the -1:13:00 mark. Well worth watching.
