Thallus of small granules to 0.4 mm broad, scattered or in small heaps, dull and rough, yellow, usually over Placynthium. Apothecia to 1 mm broad; margin crenate or disappearing; disk flat to slightly convex, yellow or orange-yellow; hypothecium hyaline, 1+ blue; epithecium granular, yellow or orange-yellow; hymenium hyaline, 1+ blue, 45-50 μm; paraphyses capitate, not branched, septate; asci clavate; spores 8, hyaline, oblong to ellipsoid, straight or slightly curved, 12-17 x 5-6 μm.

This species grows on humus and cspccially over thalli of Placynihium species, probably as a partial parasite. It is known from Scandinavia and from North Amcrica, where it ranges south to Wisconsin and to California in the West.