What Is Soldier Moss?

Identification

• Unlike moss, lichen is an organism with a symbiotic relationship between a fungus and either algae or cyanobacteria. British soldier lichen is a fruticose lichen, so-called because of the upright branching structures that reach 1/4 to 1 inch in height. Each stalk is topped with a red apothecium, which bears the spores. These little red structures are what gave the lichen its name, because they are reminiscent of the red hats worn by British troops during the Revolutionary War.

Habitat

• Most lichen species tend to grow in sandy soil or rotting wood. British soldier lichen can live in a wider range of conditions, including dry or wet areas, or from half-shade to 90 percent sunlight. These lichen are able to thrive in areas deadly to most plants, such as deserts, arctic climates, bare rock and sterile soil. In the wild, British soldier lichen tends to be found most often in the eastern U.S and Canada, but will transplant easily to any garden or landscape.

Life Cycle

• Each symbiotic half of the British soldier lichen helps the other. The fungus, called Cladonia cristatella, provides a home for the algae, called Trebouxia erici, while the algae makes food for the fungus. The lichens reproduce when the red caps mature at around four years and start releasing spores, although if pieces of lichen break off, they may also transplant to make new lichen patches. British soldier lichen is a slow grower, growing around 1/10 to 1/8 inch annually. These lichens can go dormant and survive extreme drought to revive after the next rain or watering.

Benefits

• British soldier lichen is a good food source for white-tailed deer, voles, springtails, and some mites and snails. The lichen also provides shelter for insects and small animals such as salamanders, fireflies and spiders. Lichen break down wood debris and take nitrogen from the air, adding it to the soil to provide nutrients for plants and gardens. Lichen also serve as pollution detectors. Because they don't grow well in polluted air, evidence of British soldier lichen is a marker of good air quality.

Control

• British soldier lichen can grow on other plants, but is not parasitic or toxic to plants, pets or children. However, it may also grow on benches, fences, patios, driveways or steps, and make them slippery. To remove the lichen naturally, cut it out of the soil with a sharp knife or a trowel. A pressure washer can also dislodge lichen and algae, but only use washers in areas with good drainage, because dampness will encourage more growth. To prevent lichen growth, treat wood with teak oil, brush surfaces with a broom regularly, improve drainage and prune overhanging brush to improve airflow.