A foliose species with dark brown lobes that are dichotomously branched and that may be deeply incised with ascending margins and with faint, net-like ridging on the upper surface. Scattered over the surface, and especially along the ridges and margins, are darker brown, coralloid isidia. Underneath, the margins of the lobes are buff, but the main part is almost black against which the pale cyphellae stand out. When damp, this species has a fishy smell.
In Scotland, Sticta sylvatica has a mainly western distribution and is found on mossy trees and rocks in humid, sheltered locations such as old woodland. BLS distribution map
scottishlichens.co.uk 