[2] The primary thallus is composed of medium-sized, crenate squamules, approximately 1.5-7mm.

The upper surface is fawn or tan to cinnamon-colored varying toward greenish grey.

in diameter, and are located on the margin of the cups or at the ends of branches or proliferations.

[3][4] The species is widely distributed; it is found in Europe, North and South America, Asia, and on King George Island in Antarctica.

[5][6] It grows on mosses such as Chorisodontium aciphyllum, Polytrichum strictum, Andrea gainii, and Sanionia uncinata.