Bluish Veilwort

Bluish Veilwort - Metzgeria violacea

Alternative names
Metzgeria violacea
Metzgeria fruticulosa
Description

Forms patches of 1 mm wide, yellowish green thalli that end in narrow gemma bearing branches which protrude from the substrate. The gemmae of this species are restricted to the very tip of these branches. Long dry specimens are unique in turning blue, hence its specific name. Sporophytes are rare.

Identification difficulty
Habitat

Twigs and branches of deciduous trees, especially willow (Salix), but also old elders (Sambucus nigra) and young elms (Ulmus).

When to see it

All year.

UK Status

Common.

VC55 Status

Uncommon.

Leicestershire & Rutland Map

MAP KEY:

Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured circles = NatureSpot records: 2025+ | 2020-2024 | pre-2020

UK Map

Additional images

All NatureSpot records