[9] The coral "arms" are sparingly branched (3–4 times), 2–4 mm wide,[10] smooth, and sometimes wrinkled longitudinally.

[10] The fruit bodies may have a darker color either due to natural variation (whereby the appearance of this species may approach and be confused with C. cinerea) or because of infection by a microscopic fungus, Helminthosphaeria clavariarum.

Sterigmata, the slender projections of the basidium that bear the spores, may be straight or curved, and up to 7–8 μm long.

[15] Some other coral fungi have macroscopic and microscopic features similar to C. cristata, making identification confusing.

This fungus is edible,[17][18] but the tough flesh and insubstantial fruit bodies make it unappetizing to some individuals.