[2] Today, it is classified by the IUCN Red List as Critically Endangered and only found in select regions in Norway and Germany.

[3] Buellia asterella is a white and black lichen, growing on the surface of the soil where it is found.

The white section of this lichen is the thallus and the black discs found on top are its fruiting structure.

They were particularly found in Norway, Great Britain, France, Germany, Switzerland, and Northern Italy.

[9] It is believed that this competition and encroachment by the grasses and shrubs have contributed to their threatened population in their endemic ranges.