Thallus:  Fruticose to almost foliose, often with the upper surface darker colored than the lower ( Fig. A ), attached at a single point,  composed of flat,  irregular branches which remain flexible even when dry.  The branches 1 - 5 mm (.04 - . 2 in ) wide, 0.5 - 1.5 mm thick, often forked at the tips.  Upper surface usually wrinkled, dark olive green to grayish yellow green when dry, becoming brighter, sea green to pale greenish yellow when wet.  Lower surface usually lighter colored than upper surface.

Apothecia: Lacking

Soredia:  Present, formed in circular soralia on the underside of the thallus.

Isidia: Lacking.

Comments: This species differs from the other common fruticose lichens in having differentiated upper and lower surfaces.  Older thalli some times have a puckered appearance resembling a miniature Lobaria pulmonaria but Evernia prunastri has much narrower branches with pointed tips.