Alectoria ochroleuca #

Taxon #

Alectoria ochroleuca

Organization #

Hair & Shrub-Like Lichens, Fruticose Parmelioids

Identification #

A shrubby lichen that comes in a spectrum of color from entirely off white to a rich blue-green color. Most similar to Gowardia nigricans, the two species may be readily separated in the field by the lightest color found where the thallus attaches to the substrate. If the basal portion is yellowish, it is A. ochroleuca, if gray G. nigricans. A. sarmentosa ssp. vexillifera is more prostrate. Rare fertile forms rather striking with brown apothecia emerging from delicate branches. The light-colored specimens with little to no green coloration may be the most confusing as the darker forms are much more common.

Substrate #

Most commonly terricolous, bryocolous, among heaths, rarely corticolous or on snags.

Chemical Tests #

cortex: K-, C-, KC+ yellow, Pd-; medulla: K-, C-, KC- or KC+ yellow, CK+ “gold”, Pd- (Brodo et al. 2001)

Notes #

A ubiquitous species in Alaska, especially in the alpine and tundras (CLH).

Photos #