A lectotype for Xylaria digitata ss. Nitschke & al. is chosen and a new species, X. friesii based on X. digitata sensu Lundell & Nannfeldt is described. Xylaria scotica is placed into the synonymy of X. guepini and X. torulosa is considered a dubious taxon not related to X. digitata. The relationship between X. acuta and X. digitata is discussed and likewise between X. bulbosa, X. friesii, and X. guepini.