The fruit body is typically reddish brown to rusty orange to yellow, medium to large, often with a well-developed veil.

Fourteen members of Gymnopilus contain psilocybin,[3] although their bitter taste often deters recreational users.

These species include G. aeruginosus, G. braendlei, G. cyanopalmicola,[4] G. dilepis,[5]G. intermedius, G. junonius, G. luteofolius, G. luteoviridis, G. luteus, G. purpuratus,[4] G. subearlei,[4] G. subpurpuratus,[4] G. validipes and G.

[6] Subspecies of G. junonius from Japan are reported to contain psilocybin, while some western North American members do not.

[7] Several species of Gymnopilus contain bis-noryangonin [4-hydroxy-6-(4-hydrostyryl)-2-pyrone] and hispidine [4-hydroxy-6-(3,4-dihydroxystyryl)-2-pyrone], which are closely related to the alpha-pyrones found in kava.