Old man's beard
Scientific name: Usnea
Old man's beard
Scientific name: Usnea
Photo By Jennifer Rycenga , used under CC-BY-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Description
Old man's beard is a group of lichen known for its frizzy, hanging appearance, often resembling an old man's beard. This lichen can typically be found hanging from tree branches in forests. It is sensitive to air pollution, making it a good indicator of air quality. Some species of old man's beard are known to have strong elastic strands inside them, which can stretch and give them a rubbery texture.
Species of Old man's beard
Photo By Jennifer Rycenga , used under CC-BY-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original