Like many other fungi in the genus, it is a plant pathogen; specifically this species can cause Biscogniauxia (Hypoxylon) canker and dieback disease in host trees.

[5] This species is found in spring and early summer east of the Rocky Mountains of North America.

[6] When not pathogenic, Biscogniauxia atropunctata is saprobic on oak and other hardwood trees, causing a white rot on the host deadwood.

[6] The fungus can colonize healthy trees and live undetected and harmlessly in the bark and sapwood for some time, its spread kept in check by the host's natural defenses.

However, when the trees become stressed, the fungus invades weakened host tissues, causing the dieback disease.