Reindeer Lichen Cladonia rangiferina

Identification
This lichen has pale branching coral like structure.

Location
Uncommon in Ohio

Size
Two to six inch clumps

Diet
It absorbs nutrients from air and rain.

Habitat
It occurs in pine forests and dry soils.

Activity Period
Year round

Behavior
It forms dense mats on sandy soil. It persists through winter.

Lifecycle
Reproduction occurs through fragmentation.

Population
The population is small and localized.

History
It has long been present in scattered sites.

Human Interactions
It is sensitive to disturbance.

Facts
It is a major winter food for caribou in northern regions.

Sources
ODNR NatureServe

Airborne nutrients moisture | Sandy soils pine woods | Scattered statewide