Thallus is pale grey or brownish when dry but becomes greener when wet, usually coarsely pruinose. Fan-shaped, overlapping lobes, under surface whitish with pale, simple rhizines (only Physconia species with pale rhizines). Granular soralia may spread to cover the thallus centre. Apothecia are rare.

Found on nutrient-rich and often dusty, rocks, cement and trees.

All year round.

Widespread and fairly frequent in Britain.

Fairly frequent in Leicestershire and Rutland.