Crossword clue
“Tree growth indicative of good air quality”
This clue appeared as 7-Down in the NYT Crossword on Saturday, January 31, 2026. The answer has 6 letters.
Answer · 6 lettersFirst appearance
LICHENLetters6
Starts withL
Ends withN
Vowels2
Where this clue has appeared
About this clue
The clue “Tree growth indicative of good air quality” ran in the NYT Crossword on January 31, 2026 as 7-Down. Its answer is a 6-letter word that starts with L and ends with N.
See every answer from the puzzle on the NYT Crossword page for January 31, 2026, or learn how clues like this work in our guide to crossword clue types.
More clues from this puzzle
1AGrappling is used in this11 letters12AOnes who handle minor health problems?13 letters14ADessert introduced to the U.S. in the 1780s, after Thomas Jefferson discovered it in France15 letters16ALike someone in pointe shoes, maybe5 letters17A___-di-dah3 letters18ASay "hey," slangily5 letters19AThey're at the tops of some ladders, informally4 letters20AOffering that's fresh off the press?5 letters
FAQ
What is the answer to the “Tree growth indicative of good air quality” clue?+
The answer is LICHEN (6 letters), from the NYT Crossword of January 31, 2026.
Where has this clue appeared?+
We have seen it 1 time in the NYT Crossword.
How do I find other NYT Crossword answers?+
Open the full list of answers for January 31, 2026, or browse every date on the NYT Crossword hub.