Names
- Old Man’s Beard
- Beard Lichen
- Beard Moss
- Usnea
Flowering Period
- Year Round
Identify
Shrubby, often with many branches and hanging from branches. These can grow to be over 3m in length
About
Old Man’s Beard grows in environments across the world. The lichen is particularly sensitive to sulphur diaoxide and nitrogen and as such, only grows in areas with clean air. Beard lichens are known as fruticose lichens, which grow like mini shrubs or tassels anchored onto the bark of tree trunks and branches.
Uses
- Lichens on trees provide valuable microhabitats, shelter and food for various small invertebrates
- It’s effective against bacteria including Streptococcus, Staphylococcus and tuberculosis. It was therefore traditionally used to treat wounds
- Edible and contains a high level of vitamin C. Often ingested by steeping in tea.
- Flammable so good to be used as tinder when dry
- Historically used to create dyes
Folklore & Mythology.
- None specifically but I suspect plays into stories of the Ents (tolkein) and mythological Dartmoor figures such as Old Crocken
Moorland Ramblings 
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