Lichens

Cladonia lepornia

The cladonia genus consists of several species of cup-lichen. C. lepornia is found on moist, sandy soil, in partial shade. Because of the tale-tell red balls on the tips, it has earned the common name of "jester lichen" and is found year-roundin the south eastern section of the United States. Further north, the cladonia genus is often described as being forage lichens, mat-forming lichens, or reindeer lichens (due to their importance as caribou winter forage).