Cladonia squamosa Hoffm.

A very variable species with unbranched to slightly branched podetia densely covered with squamules. It is characterized by the presence of squamatic acid (UV+ white). However, there is also a chemotype producing thamnolic and barbatic acids which has a separate species card as var. subsquamosa in this atlas.

This common species occurs on acidic soil, humus, decaying wood, mossy rocks and tree bases. It grows in open habitats, such as screes, but also in forests. In Europe, it is common in most areas. Similarly, in the Czech Republic, C. squamosa is one of the dominant Cladonia species on natural stands in mountain areas. At lower elevations, it is usually absent from areas with intensive agriculture, regions with basic bedrock and is rare in the warmest areas.

Ascomycota → Lecanoromycetes → Lecanorales → Cladoniaceae → Cladonia