[1] The cap is 3 to 15 cm (1+1⁄8 to 5+7⁄8 in) broad, obtuse to convex, becoming flat or uplifted in age; it has a smooth surface, is slimy when moist, and yellowish.

[5] Alexander Hanchett Smith and Nancy S. Weber state that the species is not poisonous.

[3][7] Stropharia ambigua appears in late fall as a solitary to scattered mushroom or in groups on rich humus, usually under conifers.

[2] The species will colonize outdoor mushroom beds after wood chips have been decomposed by a primary saprotroph.

[3] Similar species include Stropharia aeruginosa, S. coronilla,[4] S. riparia,[1] and S.