Recognized by its flattened, purple, cup-like fruitbodies, this widespread fungus typically grows scattered or in clusters on burnt ground.

Like other Pezizales, the asci open at maturity by means of an apical, lid-like flap of tissue termed an operculum.

The paraphyses are club-shaped, filled with violet granules, and have bent tips; they are up to 7 μm wide.

[6] Peziza praetervisa is a widespread fungus that grows in scattered clusters on burned soil,[7] and is often found on the remains of old campfires.

[8] Depending on humidity and other environmental factors, P. praetervisa can resemble Peziza violacea, but may be distinguished from the latter by its dark purple hymenium, and microscopically by its biguttulate, warty ascospores.