The species is found worldwide on boulders and cliffs in alpine regions, including Europe, North and South America, and parts of maritime Antarctica.

It can be distinguished from similar-looking species by its production of specialised reproductive structures called thalloconidia, which appear as dark oval cells covering most of its lower surface.

[4] The thallus of Umbilicaria nylanderiana is typically monophyllous (having single lobe), rigid, and brittle, often with lacerated margins, although it can sometimes be polyphyllous (multi-lobed), particularly in wind-exposed habitats.

[4] Reproductive features of the lichen include black, adnate, and gyrose apothecia (fruiting bodies), which are more common in Neotropic specimens and rarer in European samples.

[4] Umbilicaria nylanderiana is primarily found on the vertical to horizontal faces of large boulders or cliffs in the alpine zone, frequently above the snow line in winter.