Lea's Bog Lichen

Phaeophyscia leana is discerned from similar species by having "elongate, strap-shaped lobes, faintly maculate upper surface, lack of soredia, and the paraplectenchymatous, pale lower cortex."

The lichen was first discovered on the bark of a tree by Thomas Lea near Cincinnati, Ohio in 1839. The species was only known from this original type specimen for over a century. It was believed to be extinct until it was collected by Allen Skorepa in southern Illinois in 1978. The species is now known to have a range along the Ohio River and associated tributaries (Cumberland River, Green River, Tennessee River, Wabash River, and White River). It is extant in six states, including Alabama, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, and Tennessee. The species is restricted to growing in floodplains and swamps where inundation is frequent. It usually occurs at the high-water mark on hardwood tree trunks. It does not compete well with other lichen species. Ash trees in particular are important hosts for the lichen, and due to their population decline from the emerald ash borer, Phaeophyscia leana populations may be further threatened.