I love the stylish winter coats of Oysterville. I’m talking fur coats here – the gray-green coats worn by the tree trunks and fence posts and by the tree branches and roofs and, indeed, by almost every unpainted wooden surface in town. Visitors often ask about those fuzzy-looking growths, usually referring to them as “moss.” but they are actually a half algae, half fungus growth called ‘lichen.’

They are a partners that support one another. The microscopic alga, a green plant, makes food for the pair, while the fungus, a non-green plant, offers supports and provides moisture. Lichen are essentially squatters and do not harm the surfaces on which they rest. But best of all, they are great indicators of air quality. Although they can endure extreme heat or cold, they cannot survive in polluted conditions. (We Oystervillians have always said there is a special quality to our air!) And, as if that isn’t enough, lichen actually acts as an air filter, too!

Our Apple Tree

And, Lichen are useful in other ways, as well. They are used for dyes, medicines and food. I’ve never tried the food or medicine aspects, but years ago when I was doing a spinning and weaving project with kids, we gathered a bunch of lichen and made dye. As I remember, those grey-green plants we used turned the wool a lovely, rich Concord grape color. Florists also use lichen for holding moisture at the bottom of flower arrangements – so much nicer than that fakey, yucky, spongy stuff. And did you know that Pottery Barn sells lichen by the bagful?

Churchyard Fence

Lichens, as might be expected, need both minerals and moisture to grow and, around here, grow fast and furiously in winter. In the summer, when moisture is less plentiful, they stop growing and lie dormant. I actually tend to forget all about them when the trees leaf out and their green canopies claim center stage. But those furry coats, looking just a tad shabby perhaps, are still there – especially noticeable on the unpainted picket fences for which the village is noted.