Their main distinguishing feature is the small, rigid projections (scabers) that give a rough texture to their stalks.

[2] Fruit bodies of Leccinum species have a slender stipe that is ornamented lengthwise with brown to black, scab-like scales on the surface.

The hymenophore is colored yellow or off-white, consists of thin and ventricose tubes that are longer than the thickness of the cap, and has small pores.

[3][4] The European species of Leccinum can be identified by a scaled stipe with pale brown, white, or yellow spores.

[5] The genus was first proposed by Gray in 1821 based on Leccinum aurantiacum and as a generic scientific name for boletes, often found in Europe and North America.

Leccinum species are generally found in the woodlands of Eurasia, and North America, forming ectomycorrhizal associations with trees.

Leccinum aurantiacum is an exception, however, occurring in mycorrhizal association with birch, poplar, and oak.

Other species that form an exception to that rule, such as L. quercinum and L. scabrum, have been described as popular edible mushrooms in China.

[4] They have generally been presumed to be edible for the most part, but there are reports of poisoning after eating unidentified members of the genus in North America, even after thorough cooking.