Description: Known as ‘oak moss’ and widely harvested on the continent for use in the perfume industry, this familiar lichen forms yellow-green to grey, ragged, hanging tufts about the length of a little finger. The antler-shaped branches are flattened, strap-like and white below. Mature lobes are edged with spots of powdery-white soredia (a mixture of fungal hyphae and algae). The whole plant is anchored by a holdfast-like sheath. Frequent on acid-barked trees and old wooden fencing; rare on rocks.

Key Identification Features:

• Upper surface yellow-green but white below
• The broadly flattened branches form hanging tufts.

Original text submitted by Vince J. Giavarini

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

iNaturalist: Evernia prunastri at iNaturalist World Species Observations database.