Usnea (Old Man’s Beard / Beard Lichen)

Usnea is a naturally occurring tree lichen found growing in forests around the world, often seen draping from branches in clean, healthy woodland environments. Commonly known as Old Man’s Beard or Beard Lichen, it has a long history of traditional use and is frequently discussed in historical and cultural herbal literature.

As experienced wildcraft collectors, we encounter Usnea regularly in our harvesting areas and have chosen to offer it as part of our dried herb collection. Each batch is gathered slowly and intentionally, with a strong focus on sustainability, respect for the land, and long-term ecosystem health. We never damage trees, never overharvest, and only collect small amounts from healthy, established growth.

After harvesting, our Usnea is sun-dried in small batches and carefully stored in glass jars in a cool, dark environment to preserve its natural character. From forest to finished product, every step is done entirely by hand. Nothing is sprayed, treated, or altered in any way — this is a raw, wildcrafted botanical offered exactly as it exists in nature.

This is the same quality of Usnea we prepare for our own household: thoughtfully gathered, carefully handled, and presented with honesty and care.

Alberta Wildcraft is a family-run operation, and every purchase directly supports our small business and the values it’s built on — ethical harvesting, traditional methods, and deep respect for the land we work with.