Description: This is a small (to 4cm long), shrubby, erect ‘beard lichen’ that inhabits boggy sites, especially the sallow swamp found at the edge of loughs. The thallus is composed of slightly inflated branches which, when pinched with a fingernail, show a primrose yellow core (axis) and surrounding medulla. The point of attachment is pale as also are the branch annulations and there are numerous, minute, purple-brown spots dotting the surface of the cortex together with often C+ yellow-orange soralia. In Ireland, the species is rare (County Leitrim, Lough Scur).

Key Identification Features:

• Slightly swollen branches with a primrose yellow core
• Minute purple-brown spots dotted on the cortex (hand lens to view).

Original text submitted by Vince J. Giavarini

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

iNaturalist: Usnea flavocardia at iNaturalist World Species Observations database.