"Beard lichens consist of one or two fungi in symbiosis with a photosynthetic green alga. They commonly grow on trees, where they are pendulous or upright and resemble small leafless shrubs or tassels. The stringy body of the lichen is somewhat elastic and burns readily when dry. Beard lichens are sensitive to air pollution, especially sulfur dioxide, and can be considered bioindicators for clean air." ( https://www.britannica.com/science/beard-lichen) I found this specimen along the Vineyard Mountain Trail last week.
