Montana Field Guide

Candelaria concolor is a lichen that occurs in the Pacific Northwest; however, specimens with fertile material have not been found in Montana (McCune and Geiser 2023; McCune et al. 2014). With the recognition of Candelaria pacifica (Westberg and Nash 2002; Westberg and Arup 2011), the presence of Candelaria concolor in Montana has not been validated (McCune et al. 2014). Observations of Candelaria concolor in the state are based on other morphological characteristics which can vary and overlap with Candelaria pacifica. Older specimens assigned to Candelaria concolor, especially prior to Westberg's publications need to be re-examined. The identification of more recent observations and specimens need to be used with caution unless determined based on fertile material. Therefore, a conservation status rank for Montana is determined to be unrankable (SU) because the state presence of Candelaria concolor remains in question.