List of lichens of Maryland facts for kids

Lichens are amazing living things that are actually a partnership between a fungus and an algae (or sometimes a type of bacteria called cyanobacteria). They look like plants, but they're not! They can grow in many different places, like on rocks, tree bark, and even soil. Maryland is home to many different kinds of lichens, and scientists have been studying them for a long time to understand where they live and how they grow.

What are Lichens?

Lichens are a bit like tiny, colorful sandwiches! The fungus part provides the structure and protects the algae, while the algae makes food using sunlight, just like plants do. This special teamwork allows lichens to survive in tough places where neither the fungus nor the algae could live alone. They come in many shapes and sizes, from flat, crusty patches to leafy structures or even tiny, branching "shrubs."

Different Kinds of Lichens in Maryland

Scientists often group lichens by how they look or where they grow. Here are some common types you might find in Maryland:

• Crustose lichens: These lichens look like a thin crust painted onto rocks or tree bark. They are often very flat and hard to remove. An example found in Maryland is Acarospora fuscata, which grows on acidic rocks.
• Foliose lichens: These lichens have a leafy, flattened appearance, often with lobes that peel away from the surface. They can look a bit like tiny, wrinkled leaves. You might spot Flavoparmelia caperata (also known as Common Greenshield Lichen) on tree bark and rocks across Maryland.
• Fruticose lichens: These lichens are bushy or hair-like, growing upright or hanging down from branches. They are often more three-dimensional. A well-known example is Cladonia cristatella, often called British Soldiers, which has bright red tips and grows on soil or rotting wood. Another interesting one is Usnea strigosa, which looks like tangled threads hanging from trees.

Where Do Lichens Grow?

Lichens are super adaptable! In Maryland, you can find them in many different habitats:

• On tree bark: Many lichens prefer to grow on the bark of trees, like oaks, maples, and pines. They don't hurt the tree; they just use it as a place to live. Examples include Parmotrema hypotropum and Physcia stellaris.
• On rocks: Some lichens love to cling to rocks, whether they are acidic rocks, limestone, or even concrete. Xanthoparmelia conspersa is a common rock-dwelling lichen found in Maryland.
• On soil: Certain lichens grow directly on the ground, especially in sandy or open areas. The "reindeer lichens" like Cladonia rangiferina are good examples of soil-dwelling lichens.
• On wood: You can also find lichens on old fence posts, fallen logs, and other wooden surfaces.

Studying Lichens in Maryland

Scientists have been keeping track of Maryland's lichens for many years. They collect samples and record where they find each type. This helps them understand how healthy the environment is, because lichens are very sensitive to air pollution. If you see many different kinds of lichens, it's often a sign of clean air!

Some of the main ways scientists have gathered information about lichens in Maryland include:

• Studies published in 1977 and 1979 by Skorepa, Norden, and Windler.
• A 2002 study by Biechele that focused on the Delmarva Peninsula in Maryland.
• Collections from personal herbariums, like Elmer Worthley's and Edward Uebel's.
• More recent findings from 2007 by Lendemer and Knapp, who explored six specific wildlife areas and forests in Maryland.

These studies help us learn about the amazing variety of lichens that call Maryland home!