Lichens for poisons Ethnolichenology

letharia vulpina, wolf lichen

only few lichens poisonous, species of letharia , vulpicida being primary examples. these lichens yellow because have high concentrations of bright yellow toxin vulpinic acid.

wolf lichen (letharia vulpina) used in scandinavia poison wolves. process begins adding lichens various baits such reindeer blood , other meats, while mixing concoction ground glass or strychnine. wolves ate concoction reported succumb in less 24 hours. achomawi people of northern california use letharia poison arrowheads. arrowheads soaked in lichens year addition of rattlesnake venom. although toxic, wolf lichens used treat sores , inflammation indigenous people in north california , southern british columbia, , taken internally medicine.