Common Greenshield Lichen
ExploreFungi
Common Greenshield Lichen
flavoparmelia caperata
The Common Greenshield Lichen is a bright green lichen that often grows on rocks and trees. It looks like a little green shield and helps make our air clean!
Habitat: Commonly found on tree bark, rocks, and soil in forests and urban areas.
Appearance
The Common Greenshield Lichen has a distinctive bright yellow-green to gray-green, shield-like thallus that can grow quite large. Its wrinkled surface often features powdery soredia near the lobe tips, giving it a somewhat bumpy texture. The edges are often slightly ruffled, setting it apart from flatter, smoother lichens.
KingdomFungiPhylumAscomycotaClassLecanoromycetesOrderLecanoralesFamilyParmeliaceaeGenusFlavoparmelia
Category
FungiRarity
Common
Danger
0/5 · No known danger
Snaps
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Interesting facts
It produces tiny powdery bits called soredia to spread to new places!
Its tough, leathery texture helps it survive strong winds and harsh weather!
Lichens are amazing pioneers, often the first life to colonize bare rock!
This lichen can grow incredibly slowly, sometimes just a millimeter a year!
Special abilities
Ability
Air Filter
Common Greenshield Lichen can soak up nutrients (and pollutants!) from the air, helping scientists understand air quality.
Ability
Solar Chef
Common Greenshield Lichen has a tiny algae chef inside that makes sugary food using sunlight, just like plants!
Ability
Desert Survivor
Common Greenshield Lichen can dry up completely when it's parched, then spring back to life when water returns.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 0.1-0.5 cm
- Edibility
- inedible
- Growth Substrate
- wood
- Season
- Year-round
Ecological connections
eaten by
Black Slug
Arion ater
Provides a food source for grazing slugs.
depends on
Red Oak
Quercus rubra
Grows on the rough bark of oak trees.
depends on
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
Attaches to maple tree trunks for support.
Traits
Camouflaged
Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Decomposer
Describes organisms that break down dead organic material, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Diurnal
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
Also known as
FlavoparmeliaGreen ShieldGreenshield Lichen
Collections
Safety
Danger
0/5 · No known danger
No special safety notes yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is Common Greenshield Lichen?
0.1-0.5 cm
Is Common Greenshield Lichen edible?
inedible
Where is Common Greenshield Lichen usually found?
Commonly found on tree bark, rocks, and soil in forests and urban areas.
What does Common Greenshield Lichen grow on?
wood
When is Common Greenshield Lichen in season?
Year-round
Snap Map
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Recent Snaps
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Where to spot
Park106 sightings14 species
District of Columbia, US
East Potomac Park
You might spot Duck, Ring-Billed Gull, and Canada Goose.
View guide →
Park22 sightings5 species
Virginia, US
Crooked Creek Park
You might spot Loblolly Pine, Fox Grape, and Sensitive Fern.
View guide →
Park49 sightings4 species
Virginia, US
Surrey Square Park
You might spot Wavyleaf Basketgrass and Asian Jumpseed.
View guide →
