Lichenologist 16: 220 (1984).

Basionym: Lichen humilis With., Bot. Arr. Veg. Gr. Brit.: 721 (1776).

Type locality: Dillenius, Hist. Musc.: t. 14, f. 11 (1742). Great Britain, England, London, Greenwich, Charlton and Woolwich, J. J. Dillenius (OXF - typotype).

Note: There is a varietiy:
Cladonia humilis var. bourgeanica A. W. Archer, Muelleria 7: 3 (1989). Type locality: Australia, New South Wales, Six Foot Track, Binomea Ridge, 2 km N of Jenolan Caves, 1987, A. W. Archer 2086 (MEL 1050873 - holotype; NSW - isotype).