The cap is dark reddish-brown when wet, becoming a paler buff as it dries out, and often with darker spots. The stem is spindle-shaped (narrowing at both ends) and rooting, greyish to reddish brown with a very dark base.  

Photograph from top down, in side view and underneath to show gills and full length of stipe, above and below ground; note habitat and substrate

Large clumps at the base of broadleaved trees, mainly Oak, also Birch, Sweet Chestnut, Beech.

Early summer to late autumn.

It is the cause of a root rot of Oak trees.

Fairly common and widespread in southern Britain, but scarcer elsewhere.

Fairly common in Leicestershire and Rutland.