Oakmoss (Evernia prunastri)

I love both the scent and the texture of oakmoss, and will often have a piece in my hand or pocket as I ramble along, if I find one on the ground or on a fallen branch. Despite its name, it is not a moss and does not exclusively grown on oaks. This species of lichen has a delicate, silvery appearance that has something almost magical about it. It’s found throughout the northern hemisphere, and was one species I could reliably identify in the forests of Britain when I moved here from Canada. Oakmoss has a slight, but woody and deeply resonating scent that is prized by the perfume industry — though its use is carefully controlled, as it is known to cause skin sensitivity. Lichens offer valuable insight into the health of a habitat - finding it growing well is generally a very good sign.

What it looks like

Oakmoss is a lichen that is found growing primarily on oak trees, but can be found growing on pines as well as other soft and hardwood trees. Its colour varis with age and conditions, being whitish when dry and much greener or yellow-green when fresh. It grows as large clusters from a single attachement point, rather than tightly against its host wood, and is densely branched, with soft, flat, ‘antler-like’ branches. It is often found on the ground following high winds and rain. Velvety when fresh, it dries brittle.

Uses

Oakmoss is edible, though is used more as a flavouring than as a substantial food source, being highly pungent when cooked, though it has a delicate flavour. It is a slow grower, so is best harvested only in small quantities, but that’s as much as you’ll ever want to use as well.