Pileus: convex becoming applanate; 7 - 30 mm diameter; dry; glabrous; brilliant crimson red; margin crenulate.

Stipe: cylindrical; 11- 35 × 2–3mm; glabrous; dry; brilliant crimson red, paler towards base.

Gills:  adnate; rather distant; white; with two series of lamellulae.

Flesh: not recorded.

Spore print: white.

Spores: ellipsoid, some constricted; 6.5 - 10 × 4 –7  µm.

Notes: this brilliant red Hygrocybe is defined by its dry cap and white adnate gills. Other red Hygrocybes with white gills have either a viscid cap or decurrent gills.