Cladonia Crispata Discovered in Ohio

Cladonia is a widespread and speciose group of lichens in the family Cladoniaceae. They can be found throughout Ohio on a variety of substrates including decaying logs, rocks, soil, and tree bases. Cladonia crispata was found by the author in September of 2017 while surveying a property owned by Summit Metro Parks. It was growing on an ecorticate stump in a dry barren with scattered stands of successional hardwoods.

Cladonia crispata has a broad range mostly north of Ohio, though it does occur throughout the Appalachians as well. This species is typically found on sun-exposed soil or bryophytes but has been recorded on a number of other substrates as well.

Not surprisingly, the specimen found in Ohio was quite small and seemingly stunted. Nevertheless, Cladonia crispata can be easily distinguished from other Cladonia species by noticing a diagnostic combination of characteristics; an exposed stereome inside cups, a lack of lichenized diaspores, inconspicuous primary squamules, and the presence of thamnolic acid (P+ orange, K+ strong yellow).

Cladonia crispata at Confluence Metro Park, Summit Cty. Ohio, 9/15/17. Photo by Tomás Curtis

The specimen was rediscovered and confirmed by the author over 2 years after the initial collection when reviewing specimens with uncertain determinations.

-Tomás J. Curtis