This species is widespread and abundant, so does not qualify as Critically Endangered, Endangered, Vulnerable or Near Threatened.

Phaeophyscia rubropulchra is a common, abundant, easily recognizable lichen that grows in urban areas of the Eastern North America. It does not qualify for any threat categories so it is listed as a species of Least Concern. This is an important species because it helps naturalists in urban areas appreciate lichen biodiversity.

Phaeophyscia rubropulchra grows across temperate forests of eastern North America, and is also documented in many parts of Eurasia.

Phaeophyscia rubropulchra is common in disturbed forests and urban areas. It is tolerant to air pollution including sulfur dioxide (Showman, 1990) and nitrogen deposition (McDonough and Watmough, 2015). The recent report from India (Maurya et al. 2023) and the report of Phaeophyscia rubropulchra as an alien species in Europe (Essl and Lambdon, 2009) suggest that the range may be expanding.

Phaeophyscia rubropulchra is mostly observed on bark (Esslinger 1978), but also grows on rock.

Phaeophyscia rubropulchra is relatively pollution tolerant (Will-Wolf et al. 2018; Coffee and Fahrig, 2012; Ohmura et al. 2014).