As the epithet indicates, the pileus surface is rugose; more so in some collections than in others. The hymenophore is pale yellow and the scabers on the stipe are pale caramel colored. The context of the basidiomata is white but soon changes to pink or pale red when exposed. Originally described from the eastern United States, L. rugosiceps occurs under Quercus as far south as southern Colombia. In Costa Rica, it seems to be uncommon some years, but is widespread in the montane Quercus forests.