It is a dark vinaceous or purple-colored edible mushroom, and grows with coniferous trees in late summer and autumn.

[2] It was transferred to the genus Russula in 1838 by the Swedish father of mycology Elias Magnus Fries.

It nearly always retains a broad pointed boss (umbo) in the cap centre which is a profile that is almost unique within the genus.

The gills are adnexed to almost free, and are pale ochre, giving a spore print of the same colour.

It is widespread in the northern temperate zones, Europe, Asia, and North America.