Like other lichens it is a symbiosis of two or three fungi and an alga. Usnea, or otherwise know as ‘Old Man’s Beard' often grows on sick or dying trees due to the pre-existing loss of canopy leaves;
;this leads some gardeners to mistakenly blame the lichen for the tree's leaf loss and illness

Usnea acts as an extremely sensitive environmental filter, and therefore barometer of pollution.
I feel safe when i see you, thriving
(All Usnea was collected off pathways after days of high wind in Duncan BC)

This wearable and video was created at The Ou Gallery Residency in the Cowachan Valley. 

So greatful to be a visitor on the traditional Coast Salish territory of the Quw’utsun and the Hul’qumin’num Treaty Group including T'Sou-Ke, Malahat, Halalt, S'tzuminus, Penelakut, Lyackson, Cowichan Lake and Snuneymuxw nations.