[2]: 221 [3] It is extremely variable in its growth forms, being verruculose, rimose, areolate, or squamulose.

[2]: 221  It has 0.2–1.5 mm round to angular areoles which may be lobed, and may be contiguous or dispersed.

[2]: 221  It is one of the most common members of its genus in the Sonoran Desert region, common in Arizona, southern California, Baja California north and south, Sonora, to outside the region in Durango.

[2]: 221  Each areole bears one to many 0.1–1 mm rounded to angular apothecia that are deeply immersed in the areole,[2]: 221  with a dull reddish-brown flat to convex disc.

[2]: 221  Lichen spot tests are all negative, and it is UV-.