The Rooting Shank (Hymenopellis radicata), is a mushroom characterized by its long, root-like stem. They have a medium to large cap that is typically greyish or yellowish-brown in colour, with a sticky or slimy surface when moist. The cap can range from 2.5 to 12 centimetres in diameter and often has a central bump. The stem is tall and slender, tapering at both ends, and can extend deeply into the ground, sometimes reaching lengths of up to 25 centimetres. It is nearly white above and brown below the soil.  The gills are white to pale cream and are broadly attached to the stem, often with a slight decurrent tooth. This mushroom is commonly found in woodlands, particularly around the bases of decaying hardwoods, such as beech and oak. It typically grows solitary or in small groups, often attached to buried wood or roots.