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Usnea Lichen, Usnea spp.
(PARMELIACEAE)
USNEA is a large genus of edible fruticose lichens. strong antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral agent. It
Anchored at one end by a holdfast, Usnea grows from has been used to treat pneumonia, tuberculosis, and
the bark of coniferous and hardwood trees. Most sore throats. It can also be applied to wounds to pre-
species are pale greenish-grey, though some are yel- vent infection.
lowish-green. They can be bushy and beard-like, or HOW TO HARVEST AND EAT: Usnea can be harvest-
filamentous and drooping. Found in moist, temperate ed year-round. You can nibble small amounts of this
forests across North America, Usnea is most abun-
lichen off the tree. However, larger quantities should
dant along the Pacific Coast. be properly leached (see “Iceland Moss” for method)
PHYSICAL FEATURES: Every Usnea species contains before eating. Usnea has a sweet-bitter flavor. It can be
a white, and often elastic, central cord, which threads used to fill out soups and stews.
through the interior of its branches. This white cord, USNEA SALMON HEAD SOUP: 1 large salmon head
which can be seen by pulling one of the main stems
(gills removed), 4 onions (diced), 3 carrots (chopped),
apart, distinguishes Usnea from other lichens. (The
4 garlic cloves (diced), 3 slices ginger, 1 fennel (diced),
core of plant “look-alike”, Spanish Moss, is black.) Us- 1 cup Usnea (leached, chopped). In a pot, add salmon,
nea’s stems and side branches are cylindrical, rather 2 onions, carrots, and water. Simmer for 2-3 hrs. Strain
than flat. Some species are short and shrubby. U. lon- out fish head and vegetables, reserving the broth and
gissima is threadlike and can grow to 20 ft. (6m) long.
salmon flesh. Sauté garlic, ginger, 2 onions, fennel. Add
REPRODUCTIVE FEATURES: Fruiting bodies are broth and Usnea. Simmer until flavors integrate. Add
rare in most North American species. U. florida, found salt, seasoning, and reserved salmon flesh.
in Mexico, produces apothecia that are flat, whitish, WARNING: Usnea has been linked to liver damage
and disk-shaped. when eaten in quantity.
EDIBLE PARTS: entire lichen
POISONOUS LOOK-ALIKES: See chapter Warning
KEY MEDICINAL USES: Usnea contains usnic acid, a
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