This bolete has a convex to flat, soft, rose-red cap 2-6 inches wide, sometimes yellowish toward the edge, with thick, pale yellow flesh that slowly bruises blue, as does the rest of the mushroom.

The tubes, which become sunken around the stem, are yellow, as are the very tiny pores. The spore print is olive-brown.

The yellow stalk is 2-4 inches long, 3/8 to 1-1/4 inches thick, sometimes colored reddish toward the bottom.

Caution: Don't confuse this mushroom with the brick red bolete (B. sensibilis,) which may be poisonous. It has a brick-red cap and turns blue instantly when bruised.