Initially thought to be a North American population of the lookalike Chrysothrix flavovirens, it is now recognized as a separate species due to its distinguishing characteristics.

It is particularly noted for its strong affinity for the bark of Atlantic white cedar trees and its dominance in conifer swamps across eastern North America.

The species was first described and identified by lichenologist James Lendemer in the Dismal Swamp State Park in Camden County, North Carolina, on December 10, 2009.

[2] The lichen Chrysothrix chamaecyparicola is distinguished by its crustose, leprose thallus – a thin layer that often forms on the bark of conifer trees.

[2] Chrysothrix chamaecyparicola is a conspicuous member of the lichen biota in conifer swamps across temperate and subtropical eastern North America.