Boreal Oakmoss Lichen
Evernia mesomorpha
Boreal Oakmoss Lichen (Evernia mesomorpha) is a fruticose lichen that forms distinctive pale greenish-gray, branching tufts hanging from tree branches in northern forests. This epiphytic species plays a crucial ecological role as an indicator of air quality and provides nesting material for birds while contributing to forest biodiversity through its symbiotic relationship between fungi and algae.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evernia_mesomorpha
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Fungi
Phylum
Ascomycota
Class
Lecanoromycetes
Order
Lecanorales
Family
Parmeliaceae
Genus
Evernia
Boreal Oakmoss Lichen belongs to the family Parmeliaceae, order Lecanorales, within the Lecanoromycetes class.
Species Profile
Boreal Oakmoss Lichen (Evernia mesomorpha) is a fruticose lichen that forms distinctive pale greenish-gray, branching tufts hanging from tree branches in northern forests. This epiphytic species plays a crucial ecological role as an indicator of air quality and provides nesting material for birds while contributing to forest biodiversity through its symbiotic relationship between fungi and algae.
Boreal Oakmoss Lichen faces significant threats from air pollution, particularly sulfur dioxide and nitrogen compounds, which severely impact lichen growth and survival. Climate change is altering precipitation patterns and temperature regimes in boreal forests, while habitat loss from logging and forest fragmentation reduces available substrate trees and disrupts the stable microclimatic conditions this species requires.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
Boreal and subalpine coniferous forests, growing epiphytically on the bark and branches of trees, particularly conifers such as spruce, fir, and pine. Requires humid, stable microclimatic conditions with clean air quality typical of undisturbed northern forest ecosystems.
Threats
Air pollution from sulfur dioxide and nitrogen compounds
Climate change altering boreal forest conditions
Habitat loss from logging and deforestation
Acid rain affecting substrate quality
Forest fragmentation disrupting microhabitats
Community Sightings
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Sources & Attribution
How to Cite
IUCN: IUCN (2025). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2025-1. Available at: https://www.iucnredlist.org. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2025-1.RLTS
GBIF: GBIF.org (2025). GBIF Home Page. Available at: https://www.gbif.org
This page: SpeciesRadar (2025). Boreal Oakmoss Lichen (Evernia mesomorpha). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/boreal-oakmoss-lichen