Photo: no rights reservedCC0 1.0via iNaturalist
Rock shield lichen Plant Care
Parmelia saxatilis
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This mushroom is easily recognizable by its foliose thallus with a distinct lobed appearance. It is commonly found growing on rocks or tree bark in temperate regions around the world. Parmelia saxatilis plays a vital role in its ecosystem as a primary source of food for various insects and small animals.
Bright indirect
At a glance
How do you care for Rock shield lichen?
Rock shield lichen grows best in bright indirect light.
Where Is the Rock shield lichen Native To?
- Albania
- Austria
- Belarus
- Belgium
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Bulgaria
- Canada
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czechia
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Mexico
- Moldova
- Montenegro
- North Macedonia
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Russia
- Serbia
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- The Netherlands
- Ukraine
- United Kingdom
- United States
What Is the Rock shield lichen?
Rock shield lichen (Parmelia saxatilis) belongs to the family. Rock shield lichen is native to North America, Europe. Rock shield lichen is also known as Sunburst lichen.
Rock shield lichen displays a crustose, foliose growth habit, reaching up to tall with a spread of approximately . Rock shield lichen produces none.
What Light Does the Rock shield lichen Need?
Rock shield lichen thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Rock shield lichen in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Rock shield lichen?
Well-draining, rocky substrate. Good drainage is essential for Rock shield lichen to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Do You Repot a Rock shield lichen?
Every 2-3 years. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
Is the Rock shield lichen Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Rock shield lichen, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Rock shield lichen?
Rock shield lichen is susceptible to none. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Rock shield lichen Need?
Rock shield lichen grows outdoors in USDA Zone 3a – 9b. It survives winters down to planting zone 3a. Rock shield lichen is native to North America, Europe.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 3a – 9b
Keep exploring plants
Rock shield lichen is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Parmelia genus — search all Parmelia species in the plant lookup.
Rock shield lichen thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Parmelia saxatilis — World Flora Online.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Rock shield lichen, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Public domain, CC0 1.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 3a – 9b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values (watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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