Description: This small, grey, foliose lichen will be among the first species the beginner will find on nutrient-rich twigs and branches. The loosely attached plants often grow abundantly in scattered patches. The slightly raised, white-dotted lobes terminate in open clusters of soralia (coarse granular powder that is a mixture of fungal hyphae and algae). White, whiskery cilia grow along the margins. The lobe ends are never swollen or hood-shaped. Fruiting discs are uncommon.

Key Identification Features:

• Very small, grey and foliose with the thallus minutely white-dotted
• Lobes with ends covered in a low mound of white, granular soredia (never inflated or hood-shaped).

Original text submitted by Vince J. Giavarini

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

iNaturalist: Physcia tenella at iNaturalist World Species Observations database.