Species details

Common rustgill

Gymnopilus penetrans

Inedible
Common rustgill – Gymnopilus penetrans

Photo: H. Krisp · CC BY 3.0 · Photo source · License

Description

A yellow to orange-brown gilled fungus on decaying wood with characteristic rusty spots on older gills.

Identification features

Cap about 3–8 cm wide, yellow to orange-brown and slightly greasy when damp. Gills start yellowish, becoming cinnamon-brown with distinct rusty spots.

Identification checklist

Check the orange-brown cap, growth on wood and older gills with characteristic rusty spotting.

How to separate similar species

Other Gymnopilus species can be very similar; ring characters, taste and microscopic features help separate them.

Habitat

Grows mainly on well-decayed conifer wood, also hardwood, in summer and autumn.

Fruiting period

July, August, September, October

Similar species

  • Gymnopilus hybridus
  • Gymnopilus sapineus
  • Pholiota species

Extended-description sources