Common Witch’s Hair (Alectoria sarmentosa)

Posted by Sandy McRuer on June 21st, 2009

This lichen is very common on the trees on the way up the saddle on Mount Arrowsmith. When I’m guiding I’m often asked if this plant is a fungus. The answer is no. Lichens are a symbiotic combination of a fungus and algae. As Jim Pojar puts it in his book, Plants of Coastal BC, It is a fungus that has taken up agriculture. The fungus gets, vitamin, proteins and carbohydrates from the algae while the algae gets protection from the elements. A fair deal I would say.
This lichen and other tree-growing or epiphytic lichens are important elements of deer and elk diets in the winter when forage is deeply buried under snow. Second growth forests, that is, forests that have grown up after the original forest was logged do not have much lichen in them. This is a sourc e of concern to biologists who manage the herds, not to mention the deer and elk themselves!

Previous Articles

Swiming Holes Everywhere!

Posted by Sandy McRuer on June 6th, 2009

Alberni Valley Outdoor Club Hiking Schedule 2009

Posted by Sandy McRuer on May 30th, 2009

The Significance of Culturally Modified Trees

Posted by Sandy McRuer on May 20th, 2009

Boggy ground at Pacific Rim

Posted by Sandy McRuer on May 13th, 2009

Wildflowers in Your Garden

Posted by Sandy McRuer on May 5th, 2009

Bears by the Somass River

Posted by Sandy McRuer on April 29th, 2009

Heli-logging

Posted by Sandy McRuer on April 15th, 2009

Curious Violet-green Swallow

Posted by Sandy McRuer on April 2nd, 2009

Woodpecker Holes

Posted by Sandy McRuer on March 23rd, 2009

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