Xanthoparmelia plittii grows to around 4-10 cm in diameter with irregularly lobate lobes which are approximately 0.5-2 mm wide.

The upper surface of the lichen is yellow-green, with cylindrical isidia.

The lower surface is pale or medium brown in color with moderately to densely packed rhizines anchoring the lichen to the surface.

[3][4] Xanthoparmelia plittii is a member of the Xanthoparmelia mexicana group, a complex of similar species that differ mainly in their secondary chemistry.

[5] Xanthoparmelia plittii has been observed mostly in North America,[6][7] but has been found in South America[8] and Europe as well.