Parmelia serrana was described as a new species in 2004 by the lichenologists Ana Crespo, María del Carmen Molina, and David L. Hawksworth.

It was identified as distinct from the closely related Parmelia saxatilis based on both morphological differences and molecular phylogenetics involving using the DNA sequences of the internal transcribed spacer and β-tubulin genes.

Molecular analysis has played a crucial role in clarifying these relationships, revealing that P. serrana forms a monophyletic lineage separate from Parmelia saxatilis and other related species.

[2] Phylogenetic studies support the monophyly of P. serrana and its close relationship with P. sulymae, a North American endemic species.

[2] Parmelia serrana features a crustose, epilithic thallus that is closely adpressed to the substrate and forms orbicular patches up to 15 cm in diameter.

The species is widespread in the Sierra del Guadarrama and other mountain ranges within its native Mediterranean and submediterranean zones, from approximately 300 to 1700 metres in elevation.

While it is prevalent in Mediterranean mountains, its full distribution in Europe remains partially understood, with occurrences noted at lower altitudes in more temperate, somewhat continental regions like Austria.