A lil help. Whats on this Japanese Maple?

[44DCNF]

Two or more different type of Epiphyte.

[Kiril]

Originally Posted by 44DCNF

Two or more different type of Epiphyte.

Lichen is an Epiphyte

[44DCNF]

Originally Posted by Kiril

Lichen is an Epiphyte

Yes, but not all Epiphytes are Lichen. I said it this way as I was not sure if the tendril growths in photo two were lichen or another form.

Clear close up photos help when trying to ID life forms.

[Kiril]

Originally Posted by 44DCNF

Yes, but not all Epiphytes are Lichen.

Yes, and spanish moss is not a moss, or a lichen. Need a better pic, however I might venture the hairy growth is spanish moss.

[New2TheGreenIndustry]

It seems like most of the time I see this stuff, the plant is in horrible shape.

[TurfNut]

They are lichens on the tree you posted. They pose no real threat to the tree itself and produce their own food from air, moisture and light. The tree is not actually a host, just where they hangout

Lichens need ample sun for photosynthesis to carry out. Here in MD I usually find them on the trunk on lower scaffolding branches where there is more light. On healthy trees with a full dense canopy, you probably will probably find none in the crown.

I have heard folks hitting them with a copper based fungicide if they become a aesthetic issue. The only thing I can see as negative is they make an excellent overwintering ground for pests. I would monitor them harder next season.

Ed

[New2TheGreenIndustry]

Is it pronounced lie-ken?

[44DCNF]

Originally Posted by New2TheGreenIndustry

Is it pronounced lie-ken?

Yes, or actually lie-k (where's the backward upside down e-schwa) n

them brits like to do things differently
li·chen
noun \ˈlī-kən, British also ˈli-chən\

[New2TheGreenIndustry]

As I mention before, From what I've seen, the more lichen, the worse off the plant. If it doesn't actually hurt the plant, I guess a sick plant makes a good host?

Any certain conditions that make a good host?

[jds912]

looks like a few air ferns as well. grow on all the trees around here. dont know if that is really the name, but thats what i have awlways heard/said.