Podetia similar to those of D. arctica, finger-like, unbranched or little branched, when decumbent regenerating along the length of the podetium, varying in size; pale yellowish green to brown, the base dying and becoming dark brown, inflated and hollow, more or less shiny, smooth, the tips blunt or acute. Apothecia not seen.

Reactions: cortex K—, C+ pink, P-; medulla K— , C— , KC+ pink, P+ red-orange.

Contents: usnic acid and gyrophoric acid in the cortex only, physodalic and physodic acids in the medulla.

The ecology of this species is similar to that of D. arctica and indeed both may occur together in collections made where they are sympatric. The range of this species is amphi-Beringian, extending from the USSR across the Bering Straits into North America where it ranges east to Baffin and Devon islands in the Northwest Territories and south Into Alberta and British Columbia in the Rocky Mountains.