Description: On dry, sandy soils of heath and moor expect this cushion-forming lichen to be a frequent component of the lichen flora. The notched-tipped basal squamules, grey-green to brown above and white below with a hint of mauve are its dominant feature. The fruiting stalks (podetia) produce cups that proliferate from the centre. The thallus is K-. Throughout, except in central southern Ireland.

Key Identification Features:

• The abundant basal squamules (2-3mm long) grey, blue-green or brown above, contrasting with the lower surface which is white with a mauve cast, is diagnostic. Podetia small, to one centimetre tall proliferating centrally. Dry, sandy soils and dunes.
• The subsp. verticillata (described elsewhere) has poorly developed basal squamules and forms tall, multiple tiers from the centre of the cups.

Original text submitted by Vince J. Giavarini

Distribution Map from NBN: Cladonia cervicornis at National Biodiversity Network mapping facility, data for UK.

iNaturalist: Cladonia cervicornis at iNaturalist World Species Observations database.