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Reindeer Moss
This is a picture of deer moss (Cladonia rangiferina) that I found in my backyard. It is growing on an old piece of wood on the ground. After a little bit of research, I discovered that it is not actually part of the moss family. It is a fungus that is actually considered a fruticose lichen. It is the food source for deer, reindeer, moose, musk oxen and caribou. Generally, this plant is rather slow growing, but it grows rapidly during spring and fall or when the humidity is high and temperatures are cool. Wilmington currently has high humidity and cooler temperatures so that explains why I would find this lichen in my backyard.
Reindeer Moss
This is a picture of deer moss (Cladonia rangiferina) that I found in my backyard. It is growing on an old piece of wood on the ground. After a little bit of research, I discovered that it is not actually part of the moss family. It is a fungus that is actually considered a fruticose lichen. It is the food source for deer, reindeer, moose, musk oxen and caribou. Generally, this plant is rather slow growing, but it grows rapidly during spring and fall or when the humidity is high and temperatures are cool. Wilmington currently has high humidity and cooler temperatures so that explains why I would find this lichen in my backyard.