Found primarily in areas of alpine tundra, it is extremely cold-hardy. Other common names include reindeer moss, deer moss, and caribou moss, but these names can be misleading since it is, though somewhat moss-like in appearance, not a moss.

Reindeer moss - also known as ‘Caribou Moss’ and ‘Reindeer Lichen’ - is actually a lichen formed through a symbiotic relationship between a fungus and algae. Reindeer moss derives its common name from the fact it is a source of food to reindeer.

reindeer lichen, (Cladonia rangiferina), a fruticose (bushy, branched) lichen found in great abundance in Arctic lands. The lichen covers immense areas in northern tundra and taiga ecosystems and serves as pasture for reindeer, moose, caribou, and musk oxen.

Reindeer Moss (scientific name: Cladonia rangiferina) is not a true moss but a lichen (a symbiotic relationship between a fungus and an alga). It is found in arctic and boreal regions where it serves as a primary food source for reindeer (hence the name) and caribou during the winter months.

2022年12月13日 · Reindeer moss is neither plant nor animal. It’s a fungus! This fungus is essential for a reindeer ‘s survival, growing in both hot and cold climates in open, well-drained environments. There are many things that make this lichen species unique, so read on and learn all about reindeer moss!

2024年9月22日 · What we call ‘Reindeer Moss’ is a symbiotic relationship between a fungus and an alga (singular for algae, apparently) that cannot exist without one another. Which is pretty wild, right? Native to arctic and mountainous environments, it’s extremely drought and cold-tolerant.

2024年4月26日 · Reindeer Moss isn’t a true moss, but instead a type of lichen, Cladonia rangiferina. Reindeer moss, like all lichens, consists of bacteria living among the growing strands of certain types of fungus, forming a symbiotic organism.

2017年5月20日 · Reindeer Moss, Cladonia spp., includes several species of lichen that can be found growing on the ground throughout Florida in undisturbed, dry upland habitats. It is typically abundant in areas that have not been exposed to fire for many years.

Gray reindeer lichen, also called reindeer moss, takes the form of bright ashy or silvery-gray, branching cushions that grow on the soil. The branch tips usually bend to point in the same direction, as if combed or blown by a strong wind.

2022年1月31日 · Reindeer moss looks like a tiny forest of pale green reindeer antlers that grow in tufts. It tends to grow to about 8cm high. Abundant in the Arctic regions, so in the UK only to be found in the high altitude and northerly regions where it gets properly cold. It can be found on heathland. Consider whether you really need to harvest lichen.