Cladonia rangiferina was first scientifically described by Carl Linnaeus in his 1753 Species Plantarum; as was the custom at the time, he classified it in the eponymous genus, as Lichen rangiferinus.

[10] Usnic acid is thought to play a role in protecting the photosymbiont by absorbing excess UV-B.

[11][12] Resynthesis experiments have been conducted to study the early stages of lichen formation in Cladonia rangiferina.

These experiments involve isolating and culturing the fungal and algal partners separately, then reuniting them under laboratory conditions to observe the process of lichenization.

Hyphae can be observed growing around single algal cells or clusters, and mucilage is frequently present.

In compatible interactions, researchers observe significantly shorter hyphal internode lengths and more lateral branches compared to incompatible ones.

There is no significant reduction in algal cell diameter in compatible interactions, unlike in some incompatible pairings.

When paired with incompatible algae such as Coccomyxa peltigerae or Chloroidium ellipsoideum, C. rangiferina shows reduced growth and fewer symbiosis-specific morphological changes.

This may be due to specific environmental requirements or growth conditions needed for complete thallus formation in this species.

These studies provide insights into the recognition mechanisms and early developmental processes involved in lichen formation.

The lichen is used as a traditional remedy for removal of kidney stones by the Monpa in the alpine regions of the West Kameng district of Eastern Himalaya.

The Inland Dena'ina also boil reindeer lichen and drink the juice as a medicine for diarrhea.