Lithothelium septemseptatum: A Tiny Lichen with a Big Role in Your Garden Ecosystem
If you’ve ever taken a close look at the bark of trees in your yard, you might have noticed what appears to be pale, crusty patches scattered across the surface. Meet Lithothelium septemseptatum, a fascinating little organism that’s probably been quietly living in your landscape all along – and you didn’t even know it!
What Exactly Is This Mystery Organism?
Don’t let the tongue-twisting scientific name intimidate you. Lithothelium septemseptatum is actually a lichen – one of nature’s most remarkable partnerships. Lichens aren’t plants at all, but rather a symbiotic relationship between fungi and algae working together as a single organism. Think of it as nature’s ultimate roommate situation, where both partners benefit from the arrangement.
This particular lichen forms thin, pale crusts on tree bark and belongs to a group that scientists sometimes call by its synonym, Plagiocarpa septemseptata. But let’s stick with the easier-to-remember fact that it’s simply a crusty, bark-dwelling lichen!
Where You’ll Find This Bark-Loving Lichen
Lithothelium septemseptatum is native to North America, making it a true local resident in many regions across the continent. You’re most likely to spot it on the bark of hardwood trees, where it creates small, pale patches that might initially look like paint splatters or natural bark discoloration.
Is This Lichen Good for Your Garden?
Absolutely! Having Lithothelium septemseptatum and other lichens in your garden is actually a wonderful sign. Here’s why you should be excited to find these little crusty patches:
- Air quality indicators: Lichens are incredibly sensitive to air pollution, so their presence suggests your garden enjoys relatively clean air
- Ecosystem health: They’re part of a healthy, functioning ecosystem and indicate biodiversity
- Minimal impact: Unlike some organisms, lichens don’t harm their host trees – they simply use bark as a home base
- Food source: Some wildlife species feed on lichens, adding another layer to your garden’s food web
How to Identify Lithothelium septemseptatum
Spotting this lichen requires a bit of detective work, but it’s easier than you might think:
- Look for thin, pale crustal patches on tree bark
- The surface appears somewhat smooth and light-colored
- You might notice small, dark spots (fruiting bodies) scattered across the crust
- It typically grows on hardwood trees rather than conifers
- The patches are usually small, rarely covering large areas of bark
Can You Grow This Lichen?
Here’s where things get interesting – you can’t actually cultivate or plant lichens like traditional garden plants. They appear naturally when conditions are right, and attempting to transplant or encourage them rarely works. Instead, the best approach is to create an environment where they can thrive naturally:
- Maintain healthy, mature trees in your landscape
- Avoid using harsh chemicals or pesticides that might affect air quality
- Allow some natural, undisturbed areas in your garden
- Be patient – lichens grow very slowly and establish themselves over time
The Bottom Line
While you won’t be adding Lithothelium septemseptatum to your shopping list at the garden center, discovering it in your landscape is cause for celebration. These small, unassuming lichens are signs of a healthy ecosystem and clean air – something every gardener can appreciate.
Next time you’re wandering through your garden, take a moment to examine the bark of your trees more closely. You might be surprised by the tiny, fascinating world of lichens that’s been there all along, quietly contributing to the health and biodiversity of your outdoor space.
