[3] The species was first described by American mycologist Charles Horton Peck in 1880.

[4] The brownish-red cap is 4–12 centimetres (1+1⁄2–4+3⁄4 in) wide, and is usually dusted by a light bloom (turning dark when touched).

[5] The gills are light yellow and leak white latex,[5] which stains brown.

[5] It resembles Lactifluus volemus,[6] the latex of which also stains brown.

[5] The mushroom can be found under oak trees in eastern North America between July and September.