Cladonia stygia, commonly known as the black‐footed reindeer lichen, is a species of fruticose lichen in the family Cladoniaceae. It is distributed across boreal, arctic and temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. Originally described by Elias Magnus Fries in 1826 as a form of Cladonia rangiferina, subsequent studies on its morphology and chemistry led to its elevation to full species status in 1985. The lichen is recognised by its dark, ash-grey to black base and its distinctive, uneven branching pattern, often accompanied by small red reproductive structures.
From Wikipedia, under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Is it poisonous?
We have no record of Black-footed Reindeer Lichen being toxic, poisonous or venomous. That is not proof that it is safe. Never eat, touch or handle a wild plant, mushroom or animal on the strength of an identification; ask someone qualified.
Easily confused with
Classification
- Kingdom
- Fungi
- Phylum
- Ascomycota
- Class
- Lecanoromycetes
- Order
- Lecanorales
- Family
- Cladoniaceae
- Genus
- Cladonia
- Species
- Cladonia stygia
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