Common Lichens of the Eastern United States

By: Tanner Barnharst

Published by Adventure Publications, 2026-04-07

Get this tabbed booklet to the 58 most common lichens of the eastern United States--and learn to identify them with confidence. Lichens are all around us: clinging to city trees, carpeting forest floors, and painting rocks with brilliant hues. Yet most people walk right past these fascinating organisms without realizing what they're seeing. Whether you're a backyard naturalist, a seasoned hiker, or someone who's curious about the natural world, this easy-to-use guide helps you recognize and appreciate lichens in your everyday environment. Each lichen is organized by the surface it grows on--trees, soil, or rocks--and then by growth form: leafy, bushy, or crusty. Narrow your choices by what you see and where you see it, and view just a few lichens at a time. The professional photographs showcase 58 species (which account for 70% of all lichen sightings in the eastern United States) while straightforward descriptions make field identification approachable and fun for beginners and experts alike. Written by debut author and naturalist Tanner Barnharst, this pocket-size guide features species found from the states that border the Mississippi River to the Atlantic Ocean. Book Features Pocket-size format--easier than laminated foldouts Professional photos showing key traits and textures Easy-to-use information for even casual observers Identifications based on over 200,000 verified field observations Improve your identification skills and learn about the hidden world of lichens with this lightweight quick guide.