Originally described by Jacob Christian Schäffer in 1774,[2] it was transferred to the genus Tricholoma by Adalbert Ricken in 1915.

[3] The cap is broadly convex to more or less flat, measuring 3–9 cm (1.2–3.5 in) wide with a margin that is initially rolled inward.

The closely spaced gills are whitish, but develop brownish to reddish-brown stains in maturity.

Its surface is covered with dense orangish scales that terminate in a line near the top of the stipe, where it is white.

[8] Tricholoma aurantium fruitbodies contains the novel diterpene lactone compounds trichoaurantianolides A,[9] B, C and D.[10] The bright orange-red color is due to the benzotropolone pigment aurantricholone.