[1] Grows to around 3–30 cm in diameter with board dull smooth slightly shiny gray lobes that are 10–20 mm wide.

The underside is black with naked brown areas with a central collection of simple rhizines.

[2][3] Global distribution with a majority of samples being located in North America and Europe.

[4] Compounds derived from Parmotrema tinctorum have been found to have anti-cancer properties.

[5] Parmotrema tinctorum has been identified and used as a candidate for monitoring air pollution.