Synonym: Cladina subtenuis.
Common name: Dixie Reindeer Lichen.
Cladonia subtenuis is a species of fruticose lichen that forms shrub-like thalli with slender, grayish-green to yellowish podetia. It typically grows on soil, rocks, and tree bases in open woods and along roadsides. In East and Central Texas, Cladonia subtenuis is found in areas with well-drained acidic soils, often in association with longleaf pine and oak trees. The species is relatively common in the region, particularly in the Piney Woods and Post Oak Savannah ecoregions, where it can form extensive colonies on disturbed ground and along forest edges.
Dixie reindeer lichen (Cladonia subtenuis) under lonleaf pines in Watson Rare Native Plant Preserve. Warren, Texas, June 23, 2018
Dixie reindeer lichen (Cladonia subtenuis) forming cushions near a bog in Watson Rare Native Plant Preserve. Warren, Texas, June 23, 2018
Cushion of dixie reindeer lichen (Cladonia subtenuis) in Watson Rare Native Plant Preserve. Warren, Texas, June 23, 2018
Cushion of dixie reindeer lichen (Cladonia subtenuis) in Watson Rare Native Plant Preserve. Warren, Texas, June 22, 2019
Close up of dixie reindeer lichen (Cladonia subtenuis) in Watson Rare Native Plant Preserve. Warren, Texas, June 22, 2019
Branches of dixie reindeer lichen (Cladonia subtenuis) in Watson Rare Native Plant Preserve. Warren, Texas, June 22, 2019
Cushion of dixie reindeer lichen (Cladonia subtenuis) under pines behind a pitcher plant bog in Watson Rare Native Plant Preserve. Warren, Texas, June 22, 2019
Details of dixie reindeer lichen (Cladonia subtenuis) in Watson Rare Native Plant Preserve. Warren, Texas, June 22, 2019
Dixie reindeer lichen (Cladonia subtenuis) under small pines on the border of a swamp in Watson Rare Native Plant Preserve. Warren, Texas, November 23, 2019
Branches of dixie reindeer lichen (Cladonia subtenuis) in Watson Rare Native Plant Preserve. Warren, Texas, November 23, 2019
Cushion of dixie reindeer lichen (Cladonia subtenuis) with seedlings of swamp titi (Cyrilla racemiflora) in Watson Rare Native Plant Preserve. Warren, Texas, October 17, 2020
Dixie reindeer lichen (Cladonia subtenuis) at the edge of a swamp in Watson Rare Native Plant Preserve. Warren, Texas, November 27, 2021
Cushions of dixie reindeer lichen (Cladonia subtenuis) at the edge of a swamp in Watson Rare Native Plant Preserve. Warren, Texas, November 27, 2021Observations of Cladonia subtenuis in East and Central Texas reveal that it commonly grows under longleaf pines and near bogs, forming cushions. The lichen was found in the Watson Rare Native Plant Preserve in Warren, Texas, on multiple occasions between 2018 and 2021. It typically thrives in areas with small pines, swamps, and pitcher plant bogs. The observations also show that Cladonia subtenuis can coexist with other plant species, such as swamp titi (Cyrilla racemiflora). The lichen's growth habits were consistent across different visits, with cushions and branches forming in various locations within the preserve. The presence of seedlings among the lichen suggests a stable and supportive environment for plant growth. Overall, Cladonia subtenuis appears to be well-adapted to the unique conditions found in the Watson Rare Native Plant Preserve.
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