Hjomsköld was the first to introduce the name Ramaria in 1790.[3] Persoon later described R. botrytis, and placed it in the genus Clavaria.[4] Fries sanctioned the name Clavaria in 1821, and treated Ramaria as a section of Clavaria. In 1933, Donk elevated the name Ramaria to its current generic status by recognizing Bonorden's use of the name Ramaria.[4][5] Currently, Ramaria is placed in the Gomphaceae,[6] although some older sources still classify it in the Ramariaceae. Ramaria has been further subdivided into four subgenera based on differences in spore ornamentation, substrate habitat, clamps, and basidiocarp appearance.[4]
Phylogenetic analyses has shown that Ramaria is not monophyletic, and that the characteristic coralloid shape has likely evolved several times from different ancestors.