It is a common and widespread species in boreal and temperate forests of the Northern Hemisphere.

It has a grey to yellowish-green thallus that is loosely attached to its substrate and forms large irregular patches.

The outer edge turns up and is frequently covered with white powdery soredia underneath.

The pycnidia are black and abundant, and their presence creates a pepper-like effect across the upper surface.

[1] Because of its abundance and its moderate sensitivity to sulphur dioxide and heavy metals, Hypogymnia physodes is often used in bioindicator and biomonitoring studies that enable the assessment of air pollution and other environmental conditions.