Black tree lichen, Wila
Bryoria fremontii

Family: Parmeliaceae

What it is like

A lichen. It is dark brown and hair like. It grows hanging from trees. It can be 60-90 cm long. The branches can have small greenish-yellow fruiting disks. These are 2-6 mm across.

Also put in the family Usneaceae.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It grows in North America between 1,200-2,300 m in conifer forests.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Canada, India, North America, USA

How it is used for food

The lichen is soaked in water then cooked and eaten. It can be dried and eaten with soups.

It has been an important traditional food of First Nation people in the USA.

Edible parts

Lichen

How it is grown

It is gathered in late summer.

Its other names

Local names

Black moss, Edible horsehair lichen

Synonyms

Alectoria fremontii Tuck.; Alectoria jubata (Linn.) Ach.;