Bottlebrush Shield Lichen

Parmelia squarrosa, commonly known as the bottlebrush shield lichen, is a species of foliose lichen in the family Parmeliaceae. It occurs in east Asia, Europe, and eastern North America, where it typically grows on tree bark, much less frequently on rocks, and rarely on moss. Because of its abundance, widespread distribution, and stable populations, it has been assessed as a species of least concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Parmelia saxatilis is quite similar in appearance Parmelia squarrosa and the latter was quite often confused with the former, especially in herbarium collections.

From Wikipedia, under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Is it poisonous?

We have no record of Bottlebrush Shield 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

• Parmelia fertilis
• Parmelia hygrophila
• Parmelia sulcata
• Parmelia submontana
• Hypotrachyna horrescens

Classification

Kingdom

Fungi

Phylum

Ascomycota

Class

Lecanoromycetes

Order

Lecanorales

Family

Parmeliaceae

Genus

Parmelia

Species

Parmelia squarrosa

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