The diameter of its cap usually does not exceed 10 cm, and its stalk can be up to 10 cm tall. Spore powder is white or pale yellow. It has brown-black velvety stalk, which is the most remarkable feature of this mushroom. It grows in clusters on stumps and living deciduous trees, sometimes in urban areas, from August to January. It is very common in Latvia. Edible when fried, and is very tasty. It is one of the few important edible winter mushrooms.

Ēdama, ļoti garšīga. Cepama bez iepriekšējas novārīšanas, tikai jānoblanšē; arī vārāma zupās. Viena no nedaudzajām pārtikā nozīmīgām vēla rudens un ziemas atkušņa sēnēm. Izmantojamas tikai sēņu cepurītes, jo kātiņi ir sīksti.