I’m pretty sure this stuff is lichen though lichen and moss are often confused. Lichen, though, is the result of a symbiotic relationship between a fungus and either algae or cyanobacteria. It’s often grey or pale white. And that’s the end of today’s lesson. Click the link in the first line if you want to learn more.
You see a lot of this filigree in trees and shrubs here as branches are otherwise laid bare this time of year.
During a foggy walk on Saturday moisture had accumulated, adding a glittering quality to its natural laciness.
The effect in winter is to lighten the look of deciduous trees even on an otherwise gloomy day. It looks almost like spring blossoms.
Quite a combo. Looks like some green moss ladened in ice. Any moss here is long ago gone brown.
It’s certainly pretty with all that moisture!
It’s much prettier than bare branches.
Love the lichen photos – it adds so much to the winter landscape.
How’d I miss this one? These sure put “glisten” back into Christmas! I didn’t know the difference between lichen and moss so I’ve also learned something already today, which most people would say is rather unusual! 🙂
Your photos have a glassy appeal. It must look good up there at this time of year.
“Filigree” is an apt word to use for these photos…lovely!