Scoliciosporum pensylvanicum described more than ten years based on morphology and chemistry. It has been recognized as distinct and its nomenclature has not changed since that time. Although there are similar species of crustose lichens (e.g., Bacidia lobarica, Scoliciosporum pruinosum and Jarmania scoliciosporoides) they all occur in different habitats or have allopatric distributions.

This species is endemic to the East Temperate North America, and is more specifically common in the Appalachian-Great Lakes region of Canada and United States. The majority of occurrences have been documented since its description and there are few known historical occurrences.

Extent of Occurrence: 785,572.688 km2
Area of Occupancy: 440.000 km2

This species occurs in temperate, mixed hardwood forests especially in high humidity habitats such as high-elevation slopes, stream edges, and coastal swamps. It is a microhabitat specialist of deep bark grooves of acidic substrates, primarily Chestnut Oak (Quercus prinus) but also Bassword, Birch, Maple, Oak, Poplar, and rarely a variety of other hardwood tree species. Tolerant to some degree of disturbance and can be found in early-succession and mature forests

Life history & ecology as well as Harvest, use & livelihoods

Understudied at this time