Page 208 - The Forager’s Guide to Wild Foods
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Lungwort Lichen, Lobaria
pulmonaria (LOBARIACEAE)
LUNGWORT LICHEN, also known as Tree Lung- matory and antiseptic properties. It has been used
wort, is a giant green leaf-like lichen. Found in rich, to treat respiratory and staph infections, coughs,
moist forests, Lungwort drapes from trees, rocks, bronchitis, and ulcers. It is also applied externally to
and rotting wood. In North America, it occurs along wounds.
the Pacific Coast, from Alaska to California. Popu- HOW TO HARVEST AND EAT: A traditional ingredient
lations are also found to the east around the Great in Siberian beer-making, Lungwort can be harvested
Lakes and Appalachian Mountain regions. at all times of the year. To remove its rock-dissolving
PHYSICAL FEATURES: Resembling billowing lung acids, soak it for 3 hours in many changes of water.
tissue, Lungwort’s strongly lobed body is loosely an- If possible, add baking soda to each soaking. Leached
chored at one end. Growing to more than 12 inches lichen can be boiled into jelly, or dried and powdered
(30cm) broad, its surface is ridged and pitted. Its for use in soups and bread.
branching lobes measure 0.4-1.2 inches (1-3cm) wide LUNGWORT FLATBREAD: Ingredients: 1 cup dried
and up to 3 inches (8cm) long. Lush and vivid green Lungwort (leached, powdered), 1 ½ cup rye flour, ½
when wet, Lungwort becomes green-brown and brit- cup wheat flour, salt, boiling water. Combine pow-
tle when dry. Its underside is whitish and bumpy. dered lichen with flours and salt. Slowly add in boiling
REPRODUCTIVE FEATURES: Reddish-brown fruit- water while mixing until you get a dough. Pat dough
ing bodies (apothecia) are occasionally produced on into flat cakes, place on a pan. Grill on both sides.
the Lungwort’s upper surface. Tiny knob-like isidia WARNING: Due to the presence of strong acids, do not
and granule-like soredia develop along the ridges. eat before leaching.
EDIBLE PARTS: entire lichen POISONOUS LOOK-ALIKES: See chapter Warning
KEY MEDICINAL USES: This lichen has anti-inflam-
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