Lichens of the Sierra Nevada (U.S.)

[1] A lichen is a composite organism consisting of a fungus (the mycobiont) and a photosynthetic partner (the photobiont or phycobiont) growing together in a symbiotic relationship.

One classification of Sierra Nevada lichens is according to functional groups, by the National Park Service.

[1] It is notable for its palatability because it lacks defensive chemicals commonly found in other lichens that protect them against being eaten (herbivory).

[1] They are typically found on mossy boulders, rotting logs, trunks of hardwoods, and bases of trees in general.

[1]: 8  Also abundant in these black-from-a-distance stripes are Dimelaena thysanota and dark gray Rhizocarpon species.

[1]: 8  More gray appearing vertical stripes have Aspecilia species and Koerberia sonomensis as major components.

[1]: 9 Wolf lichens in the genus Letharia are the most conspicuous in the Sierra parks because of their brilliant fluorescent yellow or chartreuse coloration.

[1]: 7  They are mostly absent at lower elevations, and can then be found on conifer trunks and branches, sometimes completely covering them.

[1]: 7 It contains toxins (e.g., vulpinic acid) to many herbivores and microbes, although there are mixed reports on actual consumption.