Diagnosis of the Bushy beard lichen (Usnera strigosa) is based on the presence of he central supportive cord, thalus growing in bushy tufts from a single point, not blackened base, presence of apothecia, dense reddish medulla. Spor tests of the cortex (KC+ yellow) suggested presence of usnic acid, medulla in this specimen was K-, C- KC-, as well as geographic location (Cape Code, NE US).
References:
Brodo, I.M., Duran Sharnoff, S., Sharnoff, S. 2001. Lichens of North America. Yale University Press. New Haven & London.