Cladonia alpina #

Taxon #

Cladonia alpina

Organization #

Cladonia spp.

Identification #

A bright yellow lichen, Cladonia alpina is similar in appearance to C. bacilliformis and C. macilenta. C. alpina, however, is more branched at the apices and usually has conspicuous patches rather than a continuous coating of soredia.

Substrate #

Soil or less commonly wood (BLC)

Chemical Tests #

C-, K-, KC-, Pd- or Pd+yellow (BLC)

Notes #

A species which appears to be somewhat rare but it may just be overlooked or under-collected in the vast state. Known of Norway’s fjord areas, Japan, the Aleutians, and Great Britain (CLH). In Alaska it should be sought in alpine heaths in rocky or gravelly areas. We have found it in the alpine near Girdwood not far from Whittier, in the Kigluaik Range of the Seward Peninsula, and in the interior in the Talkeetna Range.

Photos #