Day 24: I've been back and forth many times on the correct identification of this common lichen because I'm too lazy to break out the chemicals to do the spot tests to determine whether it's Lobaria oregana or L. linita. Suffice to say that it is one of the "lung lichens," and that appellation applies across quite a few species. The common name derives from one of two (perhaps both) characteristics: its resemblance to lung tissue (although green), and its preference for unpolluted air. Lung lichens aren't quite as fussy as some Usneas in that regard, but they're still a good indicator. Deer and other ruminants consider lung lichens prime forage, and no wonder. Lobaria pulmonaria (another species) can provide up to one ton of browse (dry weight) per hectare.
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