description Cladonia rangiferina Overview
Cladonia rangiferina, known as reindeer lichen, is a pale gray, fruticose lichen that forms dense, repeatedly branching tufts on soil, humus, and other acidic substrates. It is widespread in arctic, subarctic, and boreal regions, where it is an important winter forage for reindeer and caribou. The species grows slowly and can be damaged by trampling, grazing pressure, and changes in cold, open habitats.
help Cladonia rangiferina FAQ
Is Cladonia rangiferina a moss or a lichen?
Cladonia rangiferina is a lichen, not a moss. Its common name is reindeer lichen, and it forms pale gray, repeatedly branching tufts.
Where does reindeer lichen grow?
It grows on soil, humus, and other acidic substrates in arctic, subarctic, and boreal regions. Open, nutrient-poor ground is a typical setting for its dense mats and tufts.
Why is Cladonia rangiferina important to reindeer?
It is an important winter forage in northern ecosystems. Reindeer and related caribou populations rely on ground lichens such as Cladonia rangiferina when other vegetation is limited.
How can Cladonia rangiferina be identified in the field?
Look for pale gray, fruticose growth with many fine, repeatedly branching stems. Its ground-growing cushion differs from Lobaria pulmonaria, which has broad leafy lobes and usually grows on tree bark.
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