May 13, 2020

Location: Laramie, Wyoming

This is Xanthoparmelia chlorochroa,
Also called Tumbleweed Lichen
It is thought to be occasionally toxic
To some ruminants such as antelope and bison.

Guest Photographer: Joy Handley

Sources: Experimental reproduction of tumbleweed shield lichen
(Xanthoparmelia chlorochroa) poisoning in a domestic sheep model

Photo © 2020 Joy Handley, text © 2020 Dee Fairbanks Simpson