This large, grey to brown-capped fungus has a very variable appearance but is commonly encountered in coniferous and deciduous forests in Europe and North America.

The cap is around 10 cm in diameter when fully expanded, and is various shades of brown or brown/grey, sometimes washing off to buff.

Younger specimens have grey veil remnants often in quite large; flat patches, but these are usually removed later by the weather.

The mature stem is usually fairly long, and has a bulbous base which is without a discernible volva, having just several flaky ring zones instead.

spissa occurs in Britain, Europe, and eastern North America in summer, and autumn.