A species with a yellow cap, often with adpressed "silvery" veil remnants. It often grows in large clusters. It grows mostly in richer Picea forests. After collecting, the stipe-base develops a violaceous colour.

C. talus might be reminiscent, but has broader, rougher spores, and grows mainly with birch.

C. claricolor can be found in the same habitat as C. turmalis, but the former has distinct white veil remnants on the stipe as well as on the cap margin.