Back Dune/ Iceland Moss

COMMON NAME: Iceland Moss   

OTHER COMMON NAME(S): Eryngo-Leaved Liverwort, Iceland Lichen

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Cetraria islandica

FAMILY: Parmeliaceae

COMMUNITY: Thicket STATUS: Naturalized   

LIFESPAN: Perennial

HEIGHT: up to 3 inches

FLOWERING TIME: none

FRUITING TIME: none

DISTRIBUTION: Artic south to northern USA

IDENTIFYING CHARACTERISTICS: Yellow-green lichen growing in undulated leathery tufts ~ This branched thalli fringed with minute papillae ~ Undersurface paler than the upper surface, covered with depressed white spots

GENERAL INFORMATION: Iceland Moss, like all lichens, is a non-vascular plant. Iceland Moss contains mucilage, bitter lichen acids, some iodine and traces of vitamin A.  It has demulcent, anti-inflammatory, ant emetic, relaxing expectorant, galactagogue, tonic, and nutritive properties. A decoction (simmer plant in hot water to dissolve pharmacologically active constituent) or a tincture (soak plant in alcohol to dissolve active constituent) of the whole plant has been used to treat numerous respiratory ailments including coughs and bronchitis.  It has also been used to treat gastritis, dyspepsia and vomiting. The nutritive qualitative contribute to the treatment of malnourishment, debility, and anorexia.

Please note: While harvesting wild berries/fruit is permitted at Island Beach State Park, visitors must adhere to park regulations at all times and must not damage vegetation or go off designated trails.  This information is presented for educational purposes.