What type of lichen is Evernia prunastri?

Oak moss
Oak moss, (Evernia prunastri), species of fruticose (branched, bushy) lichen valued in perfumery for its heavy, oriental fragrance and as a fixative base. It grows in mountainous areas throughout much of the Northern Hemisphere.

What color is Evernia?

Oakmoss thallus is flat and strap-like. They are also highly branched, resembling the form of deer antlers. The colour of oakmoss ranges from green to a greenish-white when dry, and dark olive-green to yellow-green when wet….

How can you tell oakmoss?

Distinguishing characteristics: Oakmoss lichen can be distinguished from similar species by its branches, which are flat (vs. angular) and the color of its lower thallus surface, which is obviously paler than the upper surface.

What does lichen smell like?

Some lichens smell like fish while others are used to make perfume. Harris Tweed’s characteristic orange colour was traditionally produced using a dye extracted from rock-dwelling lichens.

Are all lichen edible?

Be careful though, not all lichens are edible, and in fact, some can be poisonous. This lichen has also been known to poison sheep and cattle. “Ground lichen” can also be used as a dye for clothing. Many lichens have been used for dyes.

Is oak moss toxic?

When taken in large amounts, for long periods of time, or as an alcohol extract, oak moss is LIKELY UNSAFE. Oak moss contains a toxic chemical called thujone. It can cause side effects such as restlessness, vomiting, dizziness, tremors, kidney damage, and convulsions.

What do lichens smell like?

Lichens arose millions of years ago and are sensitive indicators of air pollution – many will only grow in clean air. Some lichens smell like fish while others are used to make perfume. Harris Tweed’s characteristic orange colour was traditionally produced using a dye extracted from rock-dwelling lichens.

Is oakmoss illegal?

But ingredients like oakmoss are there to provide character or give a crucial twist to the fragrance.” Oakmoss has not been banned outright, but under the terms of its IFRA restriction, it can comprise no more than 0.1 percent of any perfume that contacts the skin directly — rendering the traditional formulas of chypre …

Why does lichen grow so slowly?

Lichens absorb water from the atmosphere, but unlike plants they have no means of keeping water within the lichen during dry spells. Water content can fall to 15-30% and the lichen is then metabolically inactive. Lichens are slow growing and can get the nutrients they need from rain water and dust.

What kind of foliose does Evernia prunastri have?

Evernia prunastri (L.) Ach. Thallus foliose but attached at one point and appearing fruticose, lobes often net-veined above, white beneath, soralia initially rounded, marginal and/or laminal, later more extensive over thallus surface; apothecia rare (but shown here!), shortly and stoutly stalked, discs red-brown.

How does the Natural Heritage Inventory work for lichens?

The Natural Heritage Inventory has developed scores indicating the degree to which certain rare lichen species are associated with a particular natural community or ecological landscape. This information is similar to that found in the Wildlife Action Plan for animals. As this is a work in progress, we welcome your suggestions and feedback.

What kind of lichen has a yellow tint?

Thallus typically pale yellow-green (presence of usnic acid) but occasionally lacking usnic acid and pale grey without the yellow-green tints, this variant being forma herinii (Duvign.) D.Hawksw. (see photograph below).