Parmotrema trippianum is a member of the Parmotrema reticulatum species complex morphologically distinguished from P. reticulatum s.s. by its production of lobules that errode and erupt into subarbuscular agglomerations of pustulate consoredia (Watts et al. 2026).

Parmotrema trippianum is an incredibly rare species endemic mesic foothill canyons of the southern Rocky Mountains. These habitats are threatened by a number of interacting anthropogenic forces.

Parmotrema trippianum is known from 9 individuals from 9 different locations, with 7 of the 9 locations being historical populations. Its continued presence at these historical populations is unverified due to lack of research resources and vague habitat descriptions applicable to broad areas of habitat. Its AOO is 32 km2 and its EOO is 12,725.531 km2. Conservatively, 1% of its suitable habitat has been surveyed for large, easily recognizebale macrolichens, like P. trippianum, suggesting a range in the estimated total number of extant individuals from 2 to 900. Furthermore, its suitable habitat (see Habitat & Ecology) has been declining in extent and quality due to a number of anthropogenic forces (see Threats), very likely exceeding 20% decline over 2 generations (60 years, generation time estimated to be 30 years following Yahr et al. 2024). Thus, Parmotrema trippianum should be redlisted as EN C1;C2a(i).