Yellow knights commonly grow in coniferous forests, in particular under pines. They can most often be found on sand. Their peak growing season is after the first frosts. Yellow knights grow singly or in groups.

The cap is yellow-greenish, but it can also have an olive, brown or even ochreous hue. Mature specimens reach the diameter of 5 to 12 cm. In young mushrooms, the cap is semi-spherical, and it spreads out over time to include a blunt hump. Initially, the edge is inrolled, but as the mushroom ages, it becomes creased. The gills are non-uniform in length, they are very densely spaced and have a sulphur-yellow colour. Practically the entire stem is hidden in the soil.

Yellow knights are highly valued for their sweetish-nutty taste. Their smell is sometimes compared to the aroma of freshly ground flour. These mushrooms are most often fried, cooked, or marinated.