Flavoparmelia caperata (L.) Hale

Common greenshield, flavoparmelia lichen

About plant names...

Here in Massachusetts, I see more of these lichens than any others. I haven't found a range map yet, but as nearly as I can tell, they occur worldwide.

Identification: This widespread lichen grows in circular patches on tree bark, and sometimes on rock. It is a pale yellow green color on top, and black below (pale brown on the edges). It is foliose (leaflike), with rounded, overlapping lobes. The apothecia (fruiting bodies) are goblet-shaped, and up to about ¼" (6.3 mm) in diameter, but they are not present very often.

Online References:

The Island Creek Elementary School's Study of Northern Virginia Ecology

Discover Life

CalPhotos

Macrolichens of North America

The Stridvall Family Domain

The Mushroom Observer

Wikispecies

The Consortium of North American Lichen Herbaria

References:

Walewski, Joe, Lichens of the North Woods, Kollath+Stensaas Publishing, 2007, p. 107

4/27/2010 · Nashua River Rail Trail, Pepperell, Mass­a­chu­setts
≈ 3½ × 2½" (9.8 × 6.6 cm) ID is uncertain

3/17/2016 · Kibby’s Climb, Beaver Brook Conservation Area, Hollis, New Hamp­shire
≈ 6 × 5" (16 × 12 cm)

9/5/2009 · Willard Brook State Park, Orange Trail, Townsend, Mass­a­chu­setts
≈ 9 × 7" (22 × 18 cm) ID is uncertain

9/19/2009 · Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor, Maine
≈ 6 × 9" (14 × 22 cm)

3/17/2016 · Kibby’s Climb, Beaver Brook Conservation Area, Hollis, New Hamp­shire
≈ 6 × 5" (15 × 12 cm)

Flavoparmelia caperata description by Thomas H. Kent, last updated 6 May 2023.

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4/7/2010 · Nashua River Rail Trail, Groton, Mass­a­chu­setts
≈ 7 × 11" (18 × 27 cm) ID is uncertain

5/14/2010 · Beaver Brook Association Conservation Lands, Rte. 130, Hollis, New Hamp­shire
≈ 8 × 5" (19 × 13 cm) ID is uncertain

3/17/2016 · Kibby’s Climb, Beaver Brook Conservation Area, Hollis, New Hamp­shire
≈ 6 × 8" (14 × 20 cm)

9/19/2009 · Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor, Maine
≈ 9 × 6" (22 × 14 cm)

4/10/2010 · Nashua River Rail Trail, Groton, Mass­a­chu­setts
≈ 4½ × 3" (11 × 7.9 cm) ID is uncertain

5/12/2007 · Pepperell, Mass­a­chu­setts