It is found on the west coast of North America, where it grows on the bases and in hollows of madrone (genus Arbutus).

The stipe measures 2–9 cm (0.8–3.5 in) long by 2.6–6 mm (0.1–0.2 in) thick, and the same width throughout its length, or slightly thicker at the base.

Young individuals have a silky white partial veil that later becomes fibrillose (as if made of threadlike fibers) and vinaceous in color.

[3] Due to its rarity, the edibility of the mushroom has not been definitively established, but one report suggests that it is "harmless", with a flavor of "bland beef".

The former fungus, however, occurs on woody debris in landscaped areas such as parks and gardens, which sets it apart from the madrone-associated T. punicea.

A rare species,[7] the fungus is distributed on the west coast of North America from British Columbia, Canada, to Marin County, California.