crottle

lichen

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June 25, 2026

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Crottle refers to certain types of lichens, particularly those from the genus Parmelia, that are used to create dyes. One notable species, also called crottle, resembles crumpled leather and can grow quite large. This lichen has a black underside and can sometimes form a fairy ring shape as its center dies out.12

Historically, crottle has been used as a reddish-brown dye for cloth. It was also once believed to have medicinal properties, with folk traditions suggesting it could cure ailments like epilepsy and the plague. The term "crottle" is of Scottish origin, derived from Scottish Gaelic.21

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Parmelia
…the species commonly known as crottle and skull lichen. Crottle, the largest foliose lichen, resembles crumpled leather and sometimes grows 90 to 120 centimetres in diameter. It is characterized by a black underside. The central portion may die out, leaving a toadstool-like fairy ring. It is used as a reddish…
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…the species commonly known as crottle and skull lichen. Crottle, the largest foliose lichen, resembles crumpled leather and sometimes grows 90 to 120 centimetres in diameter. It is characterized by a black underside. The central portion may die out, leaving a toadstool-like fairy ring. It is used as a reddish…
Read More