The first literature reference to cite lichenized fungi from Missouri was in 1866, when Frederick Pech reported 24 taxa from the vicinity of the town of Louisiana, in Pike County. In the remainder of the nineteenth century, only five other publications made specific reference to Missouri lichens. Additionally, many lichens attributed to Missouri by sources cited in Gier and Kendrick were based on incorrect determinations. This work provides a more disciplined, circumspect account of the literature of Missouri lichens through 1995.
Information regarding reports based upon misidentified specimens is included where known.
Also included is an annotated bibliography of 177 publications that make specific reference to Missouri lichens. The main section of this work is a catalog of all names that have been applied to Missouri lichens, and their contemporary equivalents, arranged alphabetically by genus. Each accepted genus starts with the genus name and authority, below which the species and synonyms are arranged in alphabetical order. Genera represented only by excluded species and synonyms are set off with a line segment. Synonyms, orthographic errors, and excluded species are rendered in italics , and a valid synonym is provided or comments are included to explain the disposition of the name.