(Tuck.) Brodo & D. Hawksw.
Identity
Unique IDELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.1037341
Element CodeNLLEC0R080
Record TypeSPECIES
ClassificationSpecies
Classification StatusStandard
Name CategoryFungus
Endemicoccurs (regularly, as a native taxon) in multiple nations
KingdomFungi
PhylumAscomycota
ClassLecanoromycetes
OrderLecanorales
FamilyParmeliaceae
GenusBryoria
SynonymsAlectoria fremontiiTuck.
Concept ReferenceEsslinger, T. L. 2018. A cumulative checklist for the lichen-forming, lichenicolous and allied fungi of the continental United States and Canada, Version 22. Opuscula Philolichenum 17:6-268. [http://sweetgum.nybg.org/philolichenum/]
Taxonomic CommentsEsslinger (2018) here expands the concept of Bryoria fremontii to include B. tortuosa, while Esslinger and Egan (1995) treated them as distinct.
Conservation Status
Rank Method Rank calculation - Biotics v2
Review Date2025-03-26
Change Date2025-03-26
Edition Date2025-03-26
Edition AuthorsN. Ventrella (2025)
Threat ImpactUnknown
Range Extent>2,500,000 square km (greater than 1,000,000 square miles)
Number of Occurrences> 300
Rank ReasonsBryoria fremontii is a pendant lichen occurring on the twigs and foliage of conifer and deciduous trees in open and shady forests of Europe and western North America, with scattered populations in Germany and the Canary Islands. There are over 300 estimated occurrences of this species, which are potentially threatened by air pollution, logging, climate change, development, high intensity wildfire, fire suppression, and other threats in some places. Little is known about threats or trends, but with a large range extent, high number of occurrences, abundant habitat, broad habitat preferences, and no obvious intrinsic vulnerabilities, Bryoria fremontii is considered secure.
Range Extent CommentsBryoria fremontii is a wide-ranging species, occurring primarily in western North America (Canada, the United States, and Mexico), and northern Europe (Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia) (Velmala et al. 2009). The core of its range in North America is from the Northwest Territories of Canada south to Baja California, and west to Alberta, Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming (Chandler et al. 2020). However, this species has not be collected from the Sonoran Desert region of southern California and Baja since 1904 and is presumed to be extirpated. Disjunct populations also occur in Ontario, Manitoba, and Colorado. Outlier (historical) populations also occur in Germany and in the Canary Islands (Velmala et al. 2009). Range extent was estimated using herbarium specimens and NatureServe Network occurrence data collected between 1994 and 2025 (RARECAT 2024, GBIF 2025, NatureServe 2025, SEINet 2025).
Occurrences CommentsBy applying a 1 km separation distance to herbarium specimens and NatureServe Network occurrence data documented between 1994 and 2025, it is estimated that there are more than 300 occurrences rangewide (RARECAT 2024, GBIF 2025, NatureServe 2025, SEINet 2025).
Threat Impact CommentsPotential threats to this lichen are air pollution and any activity that results in the removal of host trees, which could have subsequent impacts to the lichen community due to changes in light and humidity levels. Logging is a threat, as it may reduce humidity and expose lichens to direct sunlight. Climate change may cause changes in temperature and precipitation that make the habitat in currently occupied locations unsuitable for Bryoria fremontii in the future. Development, high intensity wildfire, and fire suppression are all additional threats to this species (Chandler et al. 2020).