Described as new to science in 1832, it is found in Asia and eastern North America, where it grows on the ground near ash trees.

The species was first described as Daedalea merulioides by Lewis David de Schweinitz in 1832, from collections made in Salem.

The cap surface is dry to slightly sticky, and smooth or covered with tiny fibrils.

[7] The pore surface is pale yellow to dull gold or olive, but will slowly turn blue and then reddish brown as a reaction to injury.

[9] Fruit bodies of Boletinellus merulioides grow on the ground scattered or in groups, almost always near ash (Fraxinus spp.

These are spherical to roughly elliptical structures measuring 2–3 mm wide, which have a hard, black to dark brown rind and a hollow internal medulla.