Usnea strigosa
# Usnea strigosa

Usnea strigosa, commonly known as bushy beard lichen, is a fruticose lichen in the family Parmeliaceae.

## Distribution

Usnea strigosa has worldwide distribution. It is a common tree lichen in Eastern and Southeastern North America.

## Description

This lichen is fruticose with 2 to 5 cm long branches and abundant terminal apothecia about 5 mm wide.

## Taxonomy

Usnea strigosa has three recognized subspecies, major, rubiginea, and strigosa. There are also several chemotypes, bringing the current taxonomy into doubt.

## Ecology

Usnea strigosa grows on trees. The most frequent hosts of this lichen are oak trees. The photosynthetic symbionts of Usnea species are Chlorophyta green algae.

