[1] Dirinaria frostii has a foliose thallus, which is closely appressed to agglutinated and ranges from 1 to 3 cm in diameter.

Secondary metabolites include atranorin in the upper cortex and divaricatic acid in the medulla, along with a few terpenes in low concentration.

[3][4] Dirinaria frostii primarily inhabits rocks, occasionally found on bark, and thrives in shaded areas such as thorn and deciduous forests.

Its distribution spans the north- and southeastern United States, including areas from the upper Great Lakes region and southern New England south to the southern Atlantic and Gulf coastal states.

In Georgia, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania, it is recognized as SNR (State Natural Heritage Rank).