It grows on the ground near hardwood trees and attaches to the rootlets of its host tree in a symbiotic relationship (mycorrhizal). Up to 8″ tall, with a cap up to 5″ in diameter, it emerges from a sac-like, white volva. The sticky, tawny cap is at first conical, later flat, and has lined margins. It is tan to orange brown. The gills are white and are free from the stalk.