The species was first described in the scientific literature in 1801 by Christian Hendrik Persoon, who named it Boletus badius.

[6] The specific epithet badius derives from the Latin root badi-, meaning "reddish brown".

[7] The common names "black-footed polypore"[8] and "black-leg" refer to its characteristic dark-colored stipe.

When young, the fruit bodies are convex, then become flat or funnel-shaped in maturity, reaching dimensions of 5–25 cm (2.0–9.8 in) across by 1–4 mm (0.04–0.16 in) thick.

[12] It grows on the standing or fallen trunks and branches of various hardwood genera, including Acer, Aesculus, Alnus, Betula, Castanea, Fagus, Fraxinus, Populus, Prunus, Robinia, Quercus, Salix, Tilia and Ulmus.