Whitewash lichen

Order: Ostropales

Family: Phlyctidaceae

Genus: Phlyctis

Species: P. argena

Identifying Characteristics:

- Crustose smooth white surface

- Thallus: Smooth white surface. White to greenish, fine to coarsely-granular soredia, few or abundant and covering thallus centre

- Apothecia (produces spores): Extremely uncommon

Special Adaptations:

- Whitewash lichen grows on bark of deciduous trees, especially Northern White Cedar and Red Maple and occasionally conifers

- Can cover large areas