Synonyms: Physcia hirsuta, Physcia labrata.
Common names: Hairy Shadow Lichen, smiling shadow.
Phaeophyscia hirsuta is a foliose lichen species characterized by its hairy, grayish-brown to dark brown thallus with rounded lobes. In East and Central Texas, it typically grows on trees, particularly oak and cedar, and rocks in shaded to partially shaded areas. The lichen's medulla is white, and it contains usnic acid and other secondary compounds. It is relatively common in the region, often found in woodland edges, riparian zones, and urban landscapes with mature tree cover.
Powdered shadow lichen (Phaeophyscia hirsuta) and splitgill mushrooms on acacia (huisache) tree in Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site. Washington, Texas, January 23, 2019
Unnamed Road, Washington, TX 77880, USA
Powdered shadow lichen (Phaeophyscia hirsuta) on a marble tomb in Boonville Cemetery. Bryan, Texas, January 27, 20193508 Pioneer Cir, Bryan, TX 77808, USA
Pattern of powdered shadow lichen (Phaeophyscia hirsuta) on a marble tomb in Boonville Cemetery. Bryan, Texas, January 27, 20193508 Pioneer Cir, Bryan, TX 77808, USA
Powdered shadow lichen (Phaeophyscia hirsuta) with apothecia on a marble tomb in Boonville Cemetery. Bryan, Texas, January 27, 20193508 Pioneer Cir, Bryan, TX 77808, USA
Powdered shadow lichen (Phaeophyscia hirsuta) with thorny apothecia on a marble tomb in Boonville Cemetery. Bryan, Texas, January 27, 20193508 Pioneer Cir, Bryan, TX 77808, USA
Texture of powdered shadow lichen (Phaeophyscia hirsuta) on a tombstone in Boonville Cemetery. Bryan, Texas, January 27, 20193508 Pioneer Cir, Bryan, TX 77808, USA
Close up of powdered shadow lichen (Phaeophyscia hirsuta) on a tombstone in Boonville Cemetery. Bryan, Texas, January 27, 20193508 Pioneer Cir, Bryan, TX 77808, USA
Powdered shadow lichen (Phaeophyscia hirsuta) with apothecia on marble in Boonville Cemetery. Bryan, Texas, January 27, 20193504 Pioneer Cir, Bryan, TX 77808, USA
Powdered shadow lichen (Phaeophyscia hirsuta) in a city cemetery. College Station, Texas, February 6, 20192580 Texas Ave, College Station, TX 77840, USA
Powdered shadow lichen (Phaeophyscia hirsuta) on a marble tombstone in a city cemetery. College Station, Texas, February 6, 20192561 Texas Ave, College Station, TX 77840, USA
Powdered shadow lichen (Phaeophyscia hirsuta) on marble in Ebenezer Cemetery near Huntsville, Texas, February 17, 2019SH 30, Huntsville, TX 77340, USA
Powdered shadow lichen (Phaeophyscia hirsuta) on a tomb in City Cemetery. Bryan, Texas, March 3, 20191582 N Washington Ave, Bryan, TX 77803, USA
Powdered shadow lichen (Phaeophyscia hirsuta)(?) with soredia in City Cemetery. Bryan, Texas, March 3, 20191598 N Washington Ave, Bryan, TX 77803, USA
Powdered shadow lichen (Phaeophyscia hirsuta) with apothecia on a marble tomb in City Cemetery. Bryan, Texas, March 3, 20191617 N Washington Ave, Bryan, TX 77803, USA
Powdered shadow lichen (Phaeophyscia hirsuta) on a tombstone in a city cemetery. College Station, Texas, February 19, 20202580 Texas Ave, College Station, TX 77840, USAIn East and Central Texas, Phaeophyscia hirsuta has been observed growing on various substrates, including trees and marble tombstones. Observations were made at several locations, including Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site, Boonville Cemetery in Bryan, and city cemeteries in College Station and Huntsville. The lichen was found to have a distinctive pattern and texture, with apothecia and soredia present on some specimens. It was also observed growing alongside other organisms, such as splitgill mushrooms. The lichen's growth was documented on multiple dates between January 2019 and February 2020, suggesting it is a common species in the region. Its ability to thrive on marble tombstones indicates its tolerance for calcareous substrates. Overall, Phaeophyscia hirsuta appears to be a widespread and adaptable species in East and Central Texas.
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