In common with other ascomycetes the upper surface of the fungus has a layer of cylindrical spore producing cells called asci, from which the ascospores are forcibly discharged.

A yellow grey to beige fungus internally, less than 5 cm across with a granular or brittle flesh.

[2] Peziza cerea can be initially identified by its growth in cellars, damp mortar, soil between pavement slabs, on rotting sandbags, plant material or manure.

Paraphyses are sterile cells' often with swollen tips and are at high turgor pressure.

A high osmotic pressure in the cells of the epithecium prevent marauding microfauna that would otherwise penetrate and feed on the rich protoplasm below.