Lecanora xylophila: The Wood-Loving Lichen in Your Garden
If you’ve ever noticed grayish-white patches on old wooden fences, dead tree branches, or weathered deck boards, you might have encountered Lecanora xylophila. This fascinating organism isn’t a plant in the traditional sense – it’s actually a lichen, which means it’s a remarkable partnership between a fungus and algae working together as one.
What Exactly Is Lecanora xylophila?
Lecanora xylophila is a crustose lichen native to North America. The name xylophila literally means wood-loving, which perfectly describes this lichen’s preferred habitat. Unlike the plants we typically think about for our gardens, lichens are composite organisms made up of a fungal partner and photosynthetic algae or cyanobacteria living in a mutually beneficial relationship.
This particular species has had several scientific names over the years, including Lecanora eyerdamii, Lecanora grantii, Lecanora laevis, and Lecanora riparia, but botanists have settled on Lecanora xylophila as the accepted name.
Where You’ll Find This Lichen
Lecanora xylophila is found throughout North America, with particular abundance in western regions. It naturally occurs on various wooden surfaces, from dead tree bark to human-made wooden structures like fences, decks, and buildings.
Identifying Lecanora xylophila
Spotting this lichen is easier than you might think once you know what to look for:
- Appearance: Forms thin, crusty patches that are grayish-white to pale gray in color
- Texture: Has a somewhat smooth to slightly rough, crusty surface
- Substrate: Almost exclusively found growing on wood – both dead tree bark and weathered wooden structures
- Size: Individual patches can range from small spots to larger areas covering several inches
Is This Lichen Beneficial for Your Garden?
While you can’t plant or cultivate Lecanora xylophila like a traditional garden plant, its presence can actually be a good sign for your outdoor space. Here’s why this lichen is beneficial:
- Air quality indicator: Lichens are sensitive to air pollution, so their presence suggests relatively clean air in your area
- Ecosystem support: Some small insects and other tiny creatures use lichens as habitat and food sources
- Natural decomposition: Lichens help break down dead wood, contributing to the natural recycling of nutrients
- Low maintenance beauty: They add subtle texture and natural character to wooden garden structures without any care required
Should You Encourage or Remove It?
The presence of Lecanora xylophila on wooden structures in your garden is generally harmless and even beneficial from an ecological standpoint. However, here are some considerations:
Leave it be if: It’s growing on dead wood, old fences, or structures where you appreciate the natural, weathered look. The lichen won’t harm the wood significantly and adds to biodiversity.
Consider removal if: It’s on wooden structures you want to keep looking pristine, such as new decking or freshly stained fences. Even then, gentle cleaning is usually sufficient.
Working with Lichens in Your Landscape
Since you can’t actively grow lichens like traditional plants, the best approach is to create conditions that naturally support them:
- Leave some dead wood in your landscape (like fallen branches in naturalized areas)
- Avoid using harsh chemicals near wooden structures
- Maintain good air quality around your property
- Consider the natural weathering of wood structures as part of your landscape’s character
Remember, lichens like Lecanora xylophila are part of nature’s intricate web of life. While they might not be the showstopper flowers or dramatic foliage plants we typically think of when planning our gardens, they represent the quiet, often overlooked organisms that contribute to healthy ecosystems. Next time you spot those grayish patches on wood in your garden, you can appreciate them as signs of a thriving, natural environment.
