Flattened thornbush lichen

Kaernefeltia merrillii is a species of lichen in the family Parmeliaceae. It forms small, dark greenish-black to olive tufts typically less than 2 cm across, with finely divided, narrow lobes. The species is found in western North America from Alaska to California, growing primarily on the twigs of conifers and shrubs in forested areas. First described in 1926, it has been placed in several different genera over the years, with its classification remaining a subject of debate...