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Letharia vulpina
A vivid chartreuse-yellow tufted lichen that grows on conifer bark in Alberta's montane forests. The striking yellow colour comes from vulpinic acid, historically used in Europe to poison wolves (hence the name) — toxic to mammals if ingested. Used by some Indigenous peoples as a yellow dye. A stunning sight on weathered lodgepole pine bark.
Quick Facts
Distribution
Foothills, Rocky Mountains conifer forests, Zone 3
Light
Part sun on tree bark
Bloom Time
Non-flowering (lichen)
Soil
Grows on bark of living conifers, not soil
Water
Absorbs from air and bark moisture
Growing & Cultivation
Propagation
Not practically cultivable. Admire in place.
Always verify plant identification with multiple sources before consuming any wild plant. This information is for educational purposes only.
