This is a bushy fruticose, pendulous grey-green to yellow-green lichen, with a blackened base and annular rings or cracks. The branches are cylindrical and tapered. The side branches are not tapered where they meet the trunk as they are in some species. The trunk and branches are covered in patches of soredia or isidia, whilst apothicia are rare.

Rarely found on rocks, but found the on the trunks and in particular the branches of trees where light is able to filter through. Very pollutant resistant. A common and widespread species.

Photograph of Usnea subfloridana, taken December 2012, local canal, Staffordshire. © Pete Hillman 2012. Camera used Nikon Coolpix P500.