[4] Members of the genus had been classified either in the genus Boletus or Xerocomus until Czech mycologist Josef Šutara examined a number of species and concluded that there was a defined group containing X. chrysenteron, X. armeniacus and relatives that are distinct morphologically from the group containing Xerocomus subtomentosus and related species.

[1] Genetic analysis published in 2013 showed that X. chrysenteron and X. zelleri form a Xerocomellus clade within a larger group informally called "anaxoboletus" in the Boletineae.

[2] The same study found Xerocomellus to be more distantly to a 'badius' clade containing Boletus badius, now known as Imleria badia, and relatives.

[4] Members of the genus have small to medium-size fruit bodies with more slender stipes compared with other boletes.

[1] Morphological Features of Xerocomoid Boletes[1][6][7] Xerocomellus species form mycorrhizal associations with coniferous and deciduous trees.