Lobaria quercizans
Introduction '''''Lobaria quercizans''''' or '''''Ricasolia quercizans''''', commonly known as the '''smooth lungwort''', is a macrolichen in the family Peltigeraceae. It forms large, smooth, grey (pale green when wet) growths that often have abundant red-brown apothecia.
Distribution Most records are from eastern North America but there are also isolated probable location records from South America (Bolivia), eastern Asia (China, Korea, Russian Manchuria). In eastern North America, it is found from Newfoundland to northern Georgia and west to eastern Minnesota. An outlying population is found in the Ouachita Mountains.
Ecology In eastern North America, ''L. quercizans'' is found primarily on the bark of deciduous trees, usually maples (''Acer'' species). In the southern parts of its range ''A. saccharum'' (sugar maple) is preferred. Further north, where there is less ''A. saccharum'', ''A. rubrum'' (red maple) is favoured.
Uses The lichen is used for food and medicine by the Menomini people of Wisconsin.
References
External links * USDA plant profile