It is generally saprophytic, but occasionally also attacks living wood.

The cap is 2–6 centimetres (3⁄4–2+3⁄8 in) in diameter, convex, and reddish-brown to ochre (fading to tan with dryness); they become more irregular in shape with age.

[3] The gills, which are only thinly attached to the stem (detaching with age),[3] are whitish and crowded.

[3] The species may carry the parasite Syzygospora mycetophila, which causes pale growths on the mushroom surface.

[3] This fungus is very common in northern hemisphere temperate woodlands (so much so that it is sometimes considered a "weed" mushroom).

[14] The mushroom has a sweet nutty flavor and should not be eaten in contaminated places like industrial or near roads due to its capacity to take up mercury.