Tree Lungwort

lobaria pulmonaria

Tree Lungwort, or Lobaria pulmonaria, is a fascinating and beautiful species of large epiphytic lichen. Often found draped across the bark of mature deciduous trees in old-growth forests, this organism is actually a complex symbiotic partnership. It typically consists of an Ascomycete fungus, a green alga, and a cyanobacterium working together to survive and thrive. Its lung-like appearance historically made it a popular, though medically ineffective, folk remedy for respiratory ailments under the medieval Doctrine of Signatures. Today, it is highly valued by ecologists as a critical indicator species; its presence signifies unpolluted air and a healthy, undisturbed forest ecosystem.

Habitat: Found in humid old-growth forests, typically growing on the bark of mature deciduous trees.

Appearance

This large, leafy (foliose) lichen is easily identified by its broad, lobed thallus that can grow up to 30 centimeters across. Its surface is deeply ridged and pitted, closely resembling the internal structure of mammalian lungs. Its color transforms dramatically depending on moisture levels: when wet, it turns a vibrant, leathery bright green as its photosynthetic algae become active, but when dry, it fades to a papery, brittle grayish-brown or pale olive. The undersides of the lobes are paler with scattered pale pockets called cyphellae and patches of root-like anchoring structures known as rhizines.

KingdomFungiPhylumAscomycotaClassLecanoromycetesOrderPeltigeralesFamilyLobariaceaeGenusLobaria

Tree Lungwort

Interesting facts

Because it extracts moisture and nutrients directly from the air rather than soil, it is extremely vulnerable to pollution, acting as a natural canary in the coal mine for forest air quality.

It isn't just one organism, but a complex 'tripartite' partnership consisting of a fungus, a green algae, and a cyanobacterium all living as one.

Tree lungwort changes color like magic; it is a dull, papery grey when dry, but turns a vibrant, leathery bright green within seconds of absorbing rain.

Under the medieval 'Doctrine of Signatures,' healers believed that because this lichen looked like lung tissue, it could cure conditions like pneumonia and tuberculosis.

Special abilities

It hosts both green algae for photosynthesis and cyanobacteria for nitrogen fixation, giving it a massive ecological advantage.

Its extreme sensitivity to sulfur dioxide and other air pollutants makes it a highly reliable living monitor for air quality.

It can quickly absorb moisture from rain or mist, rapidly transforming from a dormant, brittle state into a vibrant, actively photosynthesizing organism.

Measurements & details

Length: 5-30 cm
Lifespan: 20-100 years

Diet & Feeding

As a symbiotic lichen, it produces its own food through the photosynthesis of its algal partners and fixes atmospheric nitrogen via its cyanobacteria.

Primary Foods

Sunlight
Atmospheric nitrogen
Water
Dissolved minerals

Foraging Method

Photosynthesis

Ecological connections

host plant

Sessile Oak

Quercus petraea

Grows as an epiphyte on the bark of mature trees without parasitizing or harming them.

eaten by

Ash-black Slug

Limax cinereoniger

Grazed upon by specialized forest gastropods in damp woodland environments.

commensalism

Common Chaffinch

Fringilla coelebs

Birds harvest pieces of the lichen to weave into their nests for camouflage and structure.

Traits

No trait badges are assigned for this object yet.

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Collections for this object will appear here as more themes are added.

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

No special safety notes yet.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify Tree Lungwort?

The easiest way to identify Tree Lungwort is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.

How long is Tree Lungwort?

5-30 cm

How long does Tree Lungwort live?

20-100 years

What does Tree Lungwort eat?

As a symbiotic lichen, it produces its own food through the photosynthesis of its algal partners and fixes atmospheric nitrogen via its cyanobacteria.

Where is Tree Lungwort usually found?

Found in humid old-growth forests, typically growing on the bark of mature deciduous trees.

How does Tree Lungwort hunt?

Photosynthesis