Field dog lichen

Peltigera rufescens, commonly known as the field dog lichen or field pelt, is a species of terricolous (ground-dwelling), foliose lichen in the family Peltigeraceae. This common and widespread species has a cosmopolitan distribution, often found in dry, sunny habitats on basic soils, limestone, and nutrient-rich silicate substrates. The lichen forms rosettes up to 20 cm (8 in) in diameter, with a grey to brown thallus densely covered with a soft, velvety tomentum. Its lobes, typically 3–5 cm (1.2–2.0 in) long and 5–10 mm (0.2–0.4 in) wide, have distinctively curled upward edges. The underside of the thallus features a network of veins and rhizines, which anchor the lichen to its substrate.

From Wikipedia, under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Is it poisonous?

We have no record of Field dog 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

• Peltigera canina
• Peltigera hymenina
• Peltigera scabrosa
• Peltigera didactyla
• Peltigera neckeri
• Peltigera extenuata

Classification

Kingdom

Fungi

Phylum

Ascomycota

Class

Lecanoromycetes

Order

Peltigerales

Family

Peltigeraceae

Genus

Peltigera

Species

Peltigera rufescens

More species