British Soldier Lichen Cladonia cristatella
Identification
This lichen has gray stalks topped with bright red caps.
Location
Common statewide
Size
One to two inch stalks
Diet
It absorbs nutrients from rain and dust.
Habitat
It occurs in forests and old stumps.
Activity Period
Year round
Behavior
It grows in small clusters on decaying wood. It remains visible year round.
Lifecycle
Reproduction occurs through spores from red tips.
Population
The population is stable statewide.
History
It has long been known in Ohio.
Human Interactions
It is harmless and colorful.
Facts
Its red caps resemble tiny soldiers hats.
Sources
ODNR academic sources
Airborne nutrients moisture | Logs stumps soil | Statewide