[1] Although eleven species were proposed for transfer into the new genus, only two of them were validly published combinations (Usnocetraria oakesiana and U. kurokawae) because the others lacked basionym citations.

They proposed to synonymize Usnocetraria with Cetraria, because the former group of species originated relatively recently and fell under the timeframe threshold for genus level.

Occasionally, the margins of the lobes may have soredia, which are powdery clusters of algal cells used for reproduction, and pseudocyphellae, which are small pores that facilitate gas exchange.

[1] A characteristic chemical feature of Usnocetraria is the consistent presence of usnic acid in the cortex, which contributes to the lichen's defense mechanisms and colouration.

Some species within the genus also contain fumarprotocetraric and protocetraric acids, adding to the diversity of chemical compounds found in these lichens.