Dibaeis baeomyces (L. f.) Rambold & Hertel

Pink earth lichen

Pink earth lichen is native throughout eastern North America. It grows on unstable soils such as clay and loose sand, in full sun. It is often visible along roadsides, and spreads quickly on disturbed ground.

Identification: Gray or white, crustose, smooth or with a powdery appearance with rounded or flattened “warts.” The warts are up to 1/32″ (1 mm) in size in sterile plants. In fertile plants, they are less than a third of a millimeter in size. The apothecia, or fruiting bodies, are pale pink, 1/32–⅛″ (1–4 mm) around, on tiny white stalks—they resemble tiny pink mushrooms. The white stalks are usually clearly visible.

Habitats: On unstable soils such as loose sand or dry clay, and in full sun.

Similar species.

Online References:

References:

Older scientific or horticultural names

Dibaeis baeomyces description by Thomas H. Kent, not updated.

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