Winter garlands

Lichen 1

I’m pretty sure this stuff is lichen though lichen and moss are often confused. Lichen, though, is the result of a symbiotic relationship between a fungus and either algae or cyanobacteria. It’s often grey or pale white. And that’s the end of today’s lesson. Click the link in the first line if you want to learn more.

You see a lot of this filigree in trees and shrubs here as branches are otherwise laid bare this time of year.

Lichen 2

During a foggy walk on Saturday moisture had accumulated, adding a glittering quality to its natural laciness.

Lichen 3

The effect in winter is to lighten the look of deciduous trees even on an otherwise gloomy day. It looks almost like spring blossoms.

7 thoughts on “Winter garlands”

  1. How’d I miss this one? These sure put “glisten” back into Christmas! I didn’t know the difference between lichen and moss so I’ve also learned something already today, which most people would say is rather unusual! 🙂

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