A fruticose species that usually consists of white to grey pseudopodetia that can be very variable in form. Sometimes, there may be globose soralia at the tips. Diagnostic are the button-shaped phyllocladia with indented margins and that are darker grey in the centre when mature. Rarely, there are dark brown, brain-like cephalodia or dark brown, concave to convex apothecia.
Thallus: K+ yellow, UV-
In Scotland, Stereocaulon vesuvianum var. vesuvianum is common in upland regions on well-lit, siliceous rocks, especially if metal-rich. BLS distribution map
scottishlichens.co.uk 