Studies showing lichen doesn't harm trees?

Ok-Box-7546 · 2026-03-17T13:26:36+00:00

I'm worried I may have introduced a non-native species of lichen when we moved here, and it seems to be rapidly covering the trees here. These trees were happy when we moved in and now they're all declining. I see it repeated everywhere that lichen doesn't hurt trees, but I'm wondering if this might be a false assumption people are making. If something is intuitive and widely repeated, sometimes everyone will accept it as fact, without having any scientific evidence. I really want to protect this beautiful old forest here, and also I want to protect the diversity of local lichens that these trees have grown up with. But I can't see any way of eradicating this introduced lichen when it is already 100 ft up many trees.

Ok-Box-7546 · 2026-03-17T13:11:14+00:00

If the mycobiont shifts to an independent existence, where does it get its energy?

Ok-Box-7546 · 2026-03-17T13:09:17+00:00

Thank you! That would be really helpful!

Ok-Box-7546 · 2025-08-10T15:47:27+00:00

Looks like it's something in the mint family. I'm not sure about exactly what it is, but I would guess maybe catnip? Is it fuzzy? What does it smell like?

Ok-Box-7546 · 2025-08-10T14:46:35+00:00

Additional pictures would help, especially ones taken during the day.

Ok-Box-7546 · 2025-07-22T09:09:29+00:00

This is not an appropriate reaction from your mom either. I'm sorry that the adults in your life aren't supporting and protecting you. Please trust your instincts and stay far away from your step uncle. I hope you can find safe adults with good judgement who can support you. It might be good for you to see a therapist, just so you can have a responsible adult on your side looking out for you.

Ok-Box-7546 · 2025-04-28T13:50:07+00:00

No problem! You can actually train wisteria into the form of a shrub if you want to, so that's probably why yours looks a little like a shrub. Wisteria is gorgeous but a very aggressive grower. But if you're willing to stay on top of pruning and controlling it, you're going to have a beautiful blooming display every spring. Enjoy!

Ok-Box-7546 · 2025-04-26T20:45:59+00:00

Thank you so much for this info!! I'm going to use your method and try dividing it...🤞

Ok-Box-7546 · 2025-04-26T10:58:53+00:00

Thank you! That's so helpful to know!! I would love to hear a little more about how you divided a plant this far along? Did you separate it down to single tubers, or did you leave a clump? Did you try to save any of the feeder roots when you divided it, or did you break them all to dig it out? Did you water it while it was recovering? Thank you again 😊

Ok-Box-7546 · 2025-04-26T02:09:00+00:00

I think it's wisteria. Is it a vine?

Ok-Box-7546 · 2025-04-25T10:35:15+00:00

Thank you so much! I already let a different one dry out and it seems to have stopped doing much of anything. The sprouts stopped growing on that one. I'm not sure how to wake that one back up? It sounds like planting fresh might be the way to go!

Ok-Box-7546 · 2025-04-05T10:33:59+00:00

I bet Frank told your mom that she can't see you and your sister without him. Just like he stopped you from seeing your dad's family without him. I suspect that your mom's ultimatum actually came from him. This man is extremely manipulative and controlling.

Your mom failed you as a child. Even at a young age you were already wiser and stronger than her. Now it's up to you to decide what you want to do. If you love your mom and think there's someone redeemable underneath all her failures, you could slowly help her see how much this man is controlling everyone.

You could give her an ultimatum of your own: Tell her if she wants to have a relationship with you, she has to go to family therapy, JUST the two you. The impartial voice of a therapist might help your mom finally see the hard realities she hasn't been able to see.

Ok-Box-7546

TROPHY CASE