Therefore, it has been suggested that C. flavus is part of the species complex of Cantharellus tenuithrix.

[2] The cap is convex when young, flattening out, and arching with age, developing a depressed center.

The hyphae of the cap have long terminal cells that measure 85–95 by 4.5–5.5 μm, a characteristic shared with C. phasmatis and C. tenuithrix.

[7] The stipe measures 3–8 cm long and 5–20 millimetres (1⁄4–3⁄4 in) broad and may be tapered towards the base.

[2] The false gills are decurrent and forking, with rounded edges, and the spore print is yellow.

[8] The distribution of C. flavus is obscure due to its previous grouping with other species as C. cibarius.