Staghorn Lichen

Also known as Oakmoss, Oakmoss Lichen, Prunastri Lichen

Staghorn Lichen forms soft, antler-like tufts across the bark of oaks, pines, and firs in humid northern forests. A mutualistic partnership between a fungus and a green alga, it changes dramatically with the weather, shifting from pale greyish-green and dry to rubbery olive-green after rain. Long prized by perfumers for its deep, earthy aroma, it also acts as a natural air-quality monitor because it cannot tolerate heavy atmospheric pollution.