Usnea Lichen

Usnea is very sensitive to air pollution and so is normally only found growing in clean air environments.
Some species of Usnea are more sensitive to air pollutants than others.
Characteristics
Generally grows hanging from tree branches
Thread like, resembling a grey beard
Common names
Old Man's Beard, Beard Lichen, or Treemoss.



Usnea has been used in medicine for at least 1,000 years. Usnic acid, found in most species, has strong antibiotic and antifungal properties
This lichen is actually edible and high in vitamin C. Though we don't recommend trying it!