Lichens Of Marys Peak

These wonderful whispy beards hanging from every tree in Oregon's rain forest, sprouting and covering every large boulder are things of mystery to most of us.




 
These particularly interesting matchstick like growths are just now poking their heads out of the moss along the East Ridge trail of Marys Peak. The common name here in the Northwest is Devil's Matchsticks. The scientific name is Pilophorus acicularis, a mouthful and not nearly as fun as Devil's Matchstick. This is one of many Club Lichens found on this trail in the winter. Pilophorus means ball-bearing in Greek, and acicularis means pin in Latin. Some other club lichens to look for on Marys Peak are Lipstick Caldonia with, you guessed it, a bright red tip, and False Pixie Cup that looks a bit like a golf tee.