I see these growing all over British Columbia. Is it the old man's beard? When I pull it apart, it's green and not white and rubbery. I'm thinking it's a fake Usnea?
Good eye 4ager, for the potential of "fakery." If when you pull it apart there is no whitish elastic cord inside, given the length and colour it could be a species of Alectoria or Ramalina. Need a closer shot to look for possible tiny apothecia, tiny pits or other structures, and to see if it is circular/hair-like in crossection or flattish. Thanks, -frog
Thank you for your reply Frog. I have uploaded another photo that you can zoom in on, but I think you are correct in your assumptions. I'm off hiking again in the AM, so will try to remember to take close-up photos. I'd really like to find the real Usnea.
Hi 4ager, Yes the shot would need to be much more close up to provide the information needed to get this to genus, and unlikely to get to species without specimen-in-hand. A handlens or magnifying glass is very useful when looking at lichen details. Usnea is an amazing lichen, and Alectoria and Ramalina are as well. On some coastal areas, notably west coast of Vancouver Island, we have fishnet Ramalina which is particularly beautiful. Good luck in your searching and ID'ing! frog
