Description: This is a large, foliose, wrinkled, cabbage leaf-like, grey to green, ‘lungwort’ lichen growing on the branches and the main trunks of neutral to basic tree species in areas that did not suffer episodes of sulphur dioxide pollution. The lobes have ridges with stick-like isidia. Discs are uncommon. It occurs in woodlands (also on rocks) with a long history of continuity or in damp, humid, relatively undisturbed areas in the west by the sea. In the south-west of Ireland, it can be common on suitable habitats; however, it is intolerant of excessive shade and can be best searched for on isolated trees in parkland situations. It is scarce in central and eastern Ireland.

Key Identification Features:

• One of our largest native lichens that can exceed 25cm in length
• Its resemblance to lung tissue, large size, thallus ridges with stick-like isidia and preference for unpolluted well-lit, trees in moist woodland glades or open, former parkland settings, should help identify the species.

Original text submitted by Simon Davey

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

iNaturalist: Lobaria pulmonaria at iNaturalist World Species Observations database.