Wide chemical variation was shown by Parmelia omphalodes (L.) Ach., especially when minor and accessory phenolic compounds were included. Three subspecies recognized within P. omphalodes. viz. subsp. omphalodes. subsp. pinnatifida (Kurok.) Skult, comb, nova, and subsp. discordons (Nyl.) Skult, comb. nova. A fourth subspecies may possibly be separated in the arctic regions. Although the subspecies are usually clearly distinguishable, in certain areas where their ranges overlap specimens can found which are intermediate in chemistry and/or morphology. The populations of omphalodes in the southwest of Finland are particularly variable, since all three subspecies meet in that region. The distribution of each subspecies in Eastern Fennoscandia is mapped. Key words: lichen. Parmelia, chemical variation, phenols, eastern Fennoscandia.