VALUE AND USE
SPECIES: Peltigera aphthosa | Green Dog Lichen 



WOOD PRODUCTS VALUE : 
NO-ENTRY


IMPORTANCE TO LIVESTOCK AND WILDLIFE : 
Although P. aphthosa is commonly found on central Alaskan rangelands, it
is not a preferred forage species for caribou [18].


PALATABILITY : 
Peltigera aphthosa is of low palatability to caribou [2].


NUTRITIONAL VALUE : 
Peltigera aphthosa contains 17 to 21 percent crude protein.  Foliose
lichens such as P. aphthosa have a much lower carbohydrate content than
the fruticose lichens highly preferred by caribou [35].


COVER VALUE : 
NO-ENTRY


VALUE FOR REHABILITATION OF DISTURBED SITES : 
NO-ENTRY


OTHER USES AND VALUES : 
NO-ENTRY


MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS : 
Peltigera aphthosa can fix "considerable" amounts of nitrogen [9].
Optimum fixation occurs in autumn at temperatures of 68 to 86 degrees
Fahrenheit (20-30 deg C) [20].  The ability of P. aphthosa to fix
nitrogen is extremely reduced at an atmospheric pH below 6.0, and
reduced fixation rates may be an indicator of acid rain.  Acid rainfall
in the eastern United States may severely inhibit nitrogenase activity
in P. aphthosa and, as a result, reduce or eliminate its contribution
of fixed nitrogen to the forest ecosystems where it is abundant [14].

Lichens are widely used as indicators of air pollution or air quality.
Peltigera aphthosa is extremely susceptible to air pollution, especially
that caused by sulfur dioxide and fluorides [28,35].  Lichens, including
P. aphthosa, absorb radioactive fallout more readily than vascular
plants.  This radioactive material is then passed along the foodchain
[35].  Peltigera aphthosa readily absorbed aluminum and silicon from
Mount St. Helens' ash emissions [28].
  

Related categories for Species: Peltigera aphthosa | Green Dog Lichen