He gave it the Latin epithet nivalis (of the snow) to indicate the alpine type habitat in which he found it growing rather than to describe its white colour.

[3] A. nivalis is a small species of fungus which is usually white when young but which becomes tinged with grey or buff as it ages.

Near the rim there are fine radiating striations and the surface of the cap may have a few pieces of the membranous volva adhering to it.

The base of the stem grows out of a brittle, sac-like volva which is white or pale yellowish-brown.

[3] The fruit bodies appear singly or in small groups in both silicaceous and limestone areas in summer.