[2] Extracts of this species have been shown to kill leukemia cells in vitro, and may have possible value in the treatment of cancer.

C. furcata does not have the vegetative reproductive structures soredia and isidia, but instead has apothecia—cup-like ascocarps that contain asci on which ascospores are borne.

[2] Cladonia furcata is most commonly found in forests near coastlines, at low to mid elevations.

It may be found growing on moss, humus, and soil, more rarely on rotten wood or at the base of trees.

[2] In North America, it is found from Alaska[3] to California, and is very common in the west Cascade Range.