Usnea strigosa, commonly known as bushy beard lichen, is a fruticose lichen in the family Parmeliaceae.
Distribution Usnea strigosa has worldwide distribution. It is a common tree lichen in Eastern and Southeastern North America."CNALH - Usnea strigosa". http://lichenportal.org/portal/taxa/index.php?taxauthid=1&taxon=54697&cl=1191 (accessed 10 Jan, 2015)."Lichens USGA -- identification Guide -- Discover Life".http://www.discoverlife.org/mp/20q?guide=Lichens_USGA (accessed 10 Jan, 2015).
Description This lichen is fruticose with 2 to 5 cm long branches and abundant terminal apothecia about 5 mm wide.
Taxonomy Usnea strigosa has three recognized subspecies, major, rubiginea, and strigosa. There are also several chemotypes, bringing the current taxonomy into doubt."ITIS Standard Report page - Usnea strigosa". https://www.itis.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt?search_topic=TSN&search_value=190835 (accessed 10 Jan, 2015)."Strigose Beard Lichen (Usnea strigosa)". http://eol.org/pages/2858846/overview (accessed 10 Jan, 2015),
Ecology Usnea strigosa grows on trees. The most frequent hosts of this lichen are oak trees. The photosynthetic symbionts of Usnea species are Chlorophyta green algae.
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