This distinct orange-brown mushroom has a convex to flattened cap 1-3 inches wide. From the margin, which is incurved at first, may hang remnants of the partial veil that covered the gills when the mushroom was very young.

The gills, which attach to the stem, are crowded together, grayish at first, then purple-brown.

The light brown stalk is 2-3 inches long, 1/8 to 3/8 inches thick, often with a ring zone of fibrils toward the top. The spore print is purple-brown.

Look for it in coniferous forests throughout North America, especially on decaying wood of Douglas firs, from early to very late fall.

Don't confuse it with the poisonous sulfur tuft (N. fasciculare), which has yellow gills. The related brick top has a brick-red cap.

It's a good edible if you find it before the gills turn purple-brown.