Elder and Hawthorn, Lullington Heath National Nature Reserve 14.04.26 Usnea articulata

I had first spotted some Usnea articulata on a Elder on December 3th 2024; and I saw much more on the same tree on February 24th 2026; then on Monday 14th I noticed more U. articulata on a neighbouring Hawthorn. Neither of these trees has significance as a natable, veteran or ancient tree; but the lichen on them - Usnea articulata - is of great significance as U. articulata, is extremely rare in Sussex, and Lullington is at the extreme easterly limit of its distribution. I have informed Nature England of the locations.

Usnea articulata is Near Threatened on the IUCN red list; a Section 41 Species - Priority Actions Needed on the UK Biodiversity Action Plan and an "International Responsibility" lichen. The British Lichen Society (BLS) considers 101 species in the UK to hold an "International Responsibility" status. In some cases, this refers to species that are near extinction globally. The British Lichen Society uses a definition where a species qualifies for IR status if Britain has more than 10% of its European or global population

Elder, Sambucus nigra

Usnea cornuta

The Usnea in the Elder was spread over several twigs and is at the top of the tree, so hard to see.

Hawthorn, Crataegus monogyna

Usnea articulata

This Usnea was at head height in the Hawthorn and was much easier to see.

Distribution of Usnea articulata in UK

From British Lichen Society

Description:

One of the few readily identifiable green/grey beard lichens when well grown. Its straggly, hair-like, tangled, usually unattached stems that can be up to a metre long, swell at intervals along the main branches to create small green/grey sausage-like strings c 3mm in diam. Young material without pronounced swellings could be confused with other species . Usnea articulata | Lichens of Wales

In Sussex, Usnea articulata has been recorded at:

Pagham Church, in 1991

East Dean Park Wood, in 1977 and 1989

West Dean Woods, in 1970, 1986

St Leonards Forest, in 1805

I have seen it at:

- East Dean Park Wood, high up in an Ash on 4th December 2024

and at Devil's Dyke north of Brighton, on a Hawthorn on the South Down's Way.

See my blog for more information: Friston Forest, Lullington Heath NNR and the Cuckmere Valley Churches; abundant Ingaderia vandenboomii (pink powder) and Usnea articulata (strings of sausages) 24.02,26 – Sim's Nature Notes