The type specimen was collected by the author from Kowen Forest (Australian Capital Territory) at an altitude of 700 m (2,300 ft); there, on an old road bank bordering dry Eucalyptus woodland, it was found growing on siliceous soil.

Other lichens occurring in this species-poor habitat include Trapelia concentrica and unidentified species of Sarcogyne and Arthonia.

[2] Verrucaria kowenensis has an inconspicuous thallus with a pale grey-green or light to medium greenish-grey hue.

They are largely submerged within the thallus, displaying a black apex, with the excipulum remaining colourless at the sides and base.

[2] Verrucaria kowenensis shares a wide range of similarities with the land-dwelling Australian endemic species, V. solicola.