Texas Wildbuds

Teloschistes chrysophthalmus

(Golden-eye Lichen)

Teloschistes chrysophthalmus, Inks Lake State Park, Burnet Co. 0026

Teloschistes chrysophthalmus, Inks Lake State Park, Burnet Co. 0029

Scientific Name	Teloschistes chrysophthalmus	USDA PLANTS Symbol	TECH2
Common Name	Golden-eye Lichen	ITIS Taxonomic Serial No.	191767
Family	Teloschistaceae	Lichen Herbaria Consortium Ref.	Click Here
Description	Habitat: Grows in open areas on the bark, twigs, and branches of mature deciduous and coniferous trees in open canopies preferring hosts enriched by calcareous soils or non-acidic bedrock, including red oak, bur oak, aspen, green ash, honey locust, white spruce, etc. Body (thallus): Shrubby tufts often forming loose cushions and usually formed from single plants, consisting of erect, broad, branching lobes that radiate from a central holdfast; 5/8 to 3/4-inch high and 3/8 to 3/4-inch across; overall color typically yellow to deep orange. Fruit (apothecia): Disc-shaped, bright orange, and 1 to 4 mm across with cilia (tiny hairs) around the edges, typically borne terminally on short stalks at ends of the thallus lobes. References: Consortium of Lichen Herbaria, Georgia Biodiversity, Grokipedia and iNaturalist.		Texas Status: Native

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Banner photo of Castilleja indivisa and Lupinus ssp. taken along FM 1323 north of Johnson City, Blanco County

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