06/10/2026
Good evening, KSF Naturalist Jess Blalock here with Nostoc Commune! Nostoc thrives in nutrient-poor, compacted, wet soils. It is capable of going dormant for years, and when dried turns crusty and black! It also absorbs pesticides, heavy metals, and other contaminants from the soil.
You might think that it's Algae, but it's not! Nostoc Commune is a Cyanobacteria, which are among the first organisms to release oxygen, facilitating the development of higher plants and animals! Cyanobacteria fix nitrogen from the air, and they contain pigments which allow them to engage in photosynthesis. They are capable of withstanding high UV, and can also tolerate low light conditions. In short, they are designed to survive in harsh climates!
Some of you may know this organism by the poetic name "Star Jelly"! This name refers to the old belief that Nostoc came from meteors or the stars, due to its ability to suddenly appear and disappear seemingly overnight.
Be cautious when walking on the ground where the Nostoc Commune is present, as it's known for another trait: being EXTREMELY slippery! 😅
(No Naturalists were harmed in getting these photos, but they might have slid a bit!)
