Lungwort

Lungwort is a large sheet-like lichen that usually grows up in the tops of trees, but after a windstorm litters the forest floor. Its scientific name, Lobaria pulmonaria, is a delight to say, and its common name comes from it reputed value in treating diseases of the lungs. That use, however, is based on the old medieval doctrine of signatures, which valued plants for their apparent similarity to the affected parts of the body. This was deemed valuable in treating lung diseases because it looks a bit the inner tissue of a lung. I photographed it in the Hoh Rainforest of western Washington, but it can be found in almost any forest in our area though it is very sensitive to air quality.