[2] In its taxonomic history, it has been transferred to the genera Imbricaria, Lobaria, and Parmelia.

[1] It became known as a species of Xanthoparmelia when Mason Hale promoted that subgenus of Parmelia to generic status in 1974.

The thallus, which measures 4–12 cm (1.6–4.7 in), is made of narrow lobes that are 1–3 mm wide, which are crowded and usually overlapping.

The thallus upper surface often features isidia that range in shape from spherical to branched cylinders.

The lower surface of the thallus is black, except for near the lobe tips, where it may be pale to dark brown.