It was described as new to science in 1996 from a collection made on the Oregon Coast where it occurred with Pinus contorta.

[1] It has also been found in an old-growth conifer forest.

[2] The cap is moist to semi-sticky, with dark gray scales or fibrils in the center.

The stipe is whitish and covered with fibrils and sometimes dark scales near the top.

[2] Similar species include Tricholoma atrosquamosum, T. atroviolaceum, and T.