Coral Jelly Lichen: A Fascinating Native You Might Already Have
Have you ever noticed what looks like tiny coral formations growing on rocks, soil, or tree bark in your garden? You might be looking at coral jelly lichen (Collema tenax var. corallinum), one of North America’s most intriguing native species that’s probably been quietly living in your landscape all along.
What Exactly Is Coral Jelly Lichen?
Before we dive in, let’s clear up what a lichen actually is – because it’s pretty cool! Lichens aren’t plants in the traditional sense. They’re actually a partnership between fungi and algae (or sometimes cyanobacteria) working together in perfect harmony. Think of it as nature’s ultimate roommate situation, where both parties benefit from the arrangement.
Coral jelly lichen gets its name from its distinctive appearance. When dry, it forms crusty, coral-like structures that might remind you of tiny underwater gardens. But here’s where it gets interesting – when it rains or gets moist, this lichen transforms into a gelatinous, jelly-like mass that’s quite different from its dry form.
Where You’ll Find This Native Wonder
As a native species to North America, coral jelly lichen has been quietly doing its thing in our ecosystems long before any of us started gardening. While specific distribution details for this particular variety aren’t widely documented, lichens in the Collema family are typically found across various regions of the continent.
Identifying Coral Jelly Lichen in Your Space
Spotting coral jelly lichen is like playing nature’s version of hide and seek. Here’s what to look for:
- Small, crusty growths that look somewhat like tiny coral formations when dry
- A dramatic transformation when wet – it becomes soft, gelatinous, and almost translucent
- Colors ranging from dark olive-green to brownish when moist, often appearing grayish or whitish when dry
- Growth on various surfaces including soil, rocks, tree bark, or even old wood
Is Coral Jelly Lichen Good for Your Garden?
Absolutely! While you can’t exactly plant lichens like you would a tomato or a rose bush, having them naturally occur in your garden is actually a wonderful sign. Here’s why coral jelly lichen is a garden blessing:
- Air quality indicator: Lichens are sensitive to air pollution, so their presence suggests you have good air quality
- Soil health: They can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion
- Biodiversity boost: Lichens provide habitat and food for various small creatures
- Natural beauty: They add interesting textures and forms to your landscape
Living Alongside Your Lichen Neighbors
The best thing about coral jelly lichen? It’s incredibly low-maintenance! Since you can’t really cultivate lichens in the traditional sense, your job is simply to let them be. Here are some ways to be a good neighbor to your lichen friends:
- Avoid using harsh chemicals or fertilizers in areas where you notice lichens
- Don’t disturb them unnecessarily – they’re slow growers and take time to establish
- Keep an eye on air quality in your area, as lichens are sensitive to pollution
- Consider them a natural part of your ecosystem rather than something to remove
The Bottom Line
Coral jelly lichen might not be the showstopper flower that stops traffic, but it’s a fascinating native species that adds ecological value to your outdoor space. If you’re lucky enough to have it naturally occurring in your garden, consider yourself blessed with a little piece of North America’s natural heritage. These quiet, unassuming organisms are doing important work behind the scenes, contributing to the health and diversity of your local ecosystem.
So the next time you’re wandering around your garden, take a moment to look for these tiny coral-like formations. You might just discover you’ve been hosting some pretty amazing native neighbors all along!
