Members of this genus often exhibit colorful, attached gills when young. The partial veil in this genus is cobwebby and remnants remain on the cap edge and in the ring zone. As the mushroom matures, the gills and fibrous partial veil turn a rusty-brown, the color of the spore-print. Many exhibit a bulbous base. These mushrooms grow on the ground and are mycohrrizal with trees. Many are poisonous.